Skin cancer can develop on any part of the body, but the head and neck are especially vulnerable because they are often exposed to the sun. Understanding the risks, signs, and treatment options for skin cancer in these areas can help protect your health.

Skin cancer happens when the cells in the skin grow uncontrollably. This can occur due to damage from UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. The skin on your face, scalp, ears, and neck is particularly at risk because it is often exposed to sunlight.

Around 156,000 cases of BCC and SCC skin cancers are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Types of skin cancer

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

  • The most common type of skin cancer.
  • It usually appears as a small, pearly bump or a red patch. It may look like a sore that doesn’t heal.
  • BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can damage nearby tissues if untreated.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

  • The second most common type.
  • It may look like a rough, scaly patch, an open sore, or a wart-like bump.
  • SCC can grow faster than BCC and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.

Melanoma:

  • The most dangerous type of skin cancer, though less common.
  • It often starts in moles or as a new dark spot on the skin.
  • Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, so early detection is crucial.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer of the head and neck?

  • Excessive sun exposure: The sun’s UV rays are a major cause of skin cancer, especially in areas like the head and neck, which are often unprotected.
  • Tanning beds: Artificial UV light from tanning beds increases the risk of all types of skin cancer.
  • Fair skin: People with lighter skin, hair, and eyes are at higher risk because they have less protective pigment in their skin.
  • Family history: A family history of skin cancer can increase your risk.
  • Age: Older adults are more likely to develop skin cancer due to cumulative sun exposure over the years.

What are the signs of skin cancer on the head and neck?

 

Early detection is key to treating skin cancer.

Keep an eye out for:

  • A sore that doesn’t heal
  • A new lump, bump, or growth
  • A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
  • Scaly patches or rough spots on the skin
  • Any skin lesion that bleeds, oozes, or becomes crusty

The ABCDE rule can help identify potential melanomas:

  • A: Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other.
  • B: Border – edges are irregular or blurred.
  • C: Color – varied colors like brown, black, or red.
  • D: Diameter – larger than a pencil eraser.
  • E: Evolving – changes in size, shape, or color over time.

What is the treatment for skin cancer on the head and neck?

If you notice any unusual skin changes, it’s important to see a doctor. They may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the skin for testing.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of skin cancer:

Surgery: The most common treatment for skin cancer, where the tumor is removed. For cancers on the face, a specialized surgery called Mohs surgery may be used to remove the cancer while saving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Radiation therapy: This may be used if the cancer is advanced or if surgery isn’t an option.

Topical medications: Creams or gels may be used to treat early-stage cancers like BCC.

Chemotherapy or immunotherapy: These are used in more severe cases, especially if the cancer has spread.

Prevention
The good news is that skin cancer can often be prevented.

Here’s how to protect your skin:

  • Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy.
  • Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest.
  • Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
  • Avoid tanning beds, which increase the risk of all types of skin cancer.
  • Check your skin regularly and see a dermatologist for any changes.

 

Conclusion
Skin cancer of the head and neck is common but often preventable and treatable when caught early. Protecting your skin from the sun and checking for any changes can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy. If you notice anything unusual, consult a doctor for evaluation.