Skin cancer symptoms - this could be a warning sign of deadly disease

Skin cancer kills more than 2,000 people in Britain each year and can be caused by exposure to the sun. Detected early, skin cancer can be easily removed and treated. However if it is

discovered too late, it can be fatal. Symptoms of the disease usually include a mole which has changed colour or an unusually coloured patch of skin. However now a doctor has warned eye area

skin cancer is on the rise in the UK. Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai, a leading Oculoplastic Surgeon, wants to raise awareness about the little-known disease. “Picking up symptoms of eye cancer is

vital to getting an early referral to a surgeon that specialises in eye cancer surgery,” said Dr Sabrina. “Symptoms include sores that won’t heal, loss of eyelashes and a mole that changes

shape. “Just like protecting your skin from UV rays you need to protect your eyes too, as potential damage from UV rays includes sunburn on the eye’s surface, cataracts, macular degeneration

and even cancer of the eye and surrounding skin. “In addition, this delicate skin is the first place we form wrinkles. Dr Sabrina recommended people visit their optician regularly and get

their eyes tested every two years ‘as early detection is vital’. The condition affects more fair-skinned people than those with darker skin. TYPES OF EYE CANCER Dr Sabrina has explained the

different types of eye cancer. These include: BASAL CELL CARCINOMA The most common type of skin cancer seen in the eye area is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This cancer arises from the basal

cells and is also called a ‘rodent ulcer’ as it grows very slowly. “It may appear as a painless nodule or a sore that won’t heal,” she said.  “The skin may be ulcerated or there may be

bleeding, crusting or distortion of the normal eyelid structure and loss of eyelashes.”   SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA Dr Sabrina explained the second most common skin cancer in the periocular

area is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). She said: “This is a more serious form of cancer than BCC as it can spread to other parts of the body. Again it may appear a painless nodule or a sore

that won’t heal. Melanomas arise from pigment-producing melanocytes and are a less common but more serious form of skin cancer. "A mole that bleeds, becomes tender, changes size, shape

or colour needs to be seen urgently by a physician.” SEBACEOUS GLAND CARCINOMA Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a more serious but rare form of skin cancer. “It may appear as a recurrent

cyst-like bump, persistent eyelid inflammation, chronic red eye or thickening of the eyelid,” warned the doctor. TREATMENT Dr Sabrina said she sees at least 300 patients a year with new

basal cell carcinoma in both her NHS and private practices. “Melanoma and sebaceous gland carcinomas can metastasize to other parts of the body through the blood stream or lymphatic system.

“A biopsy is usually required to confirm diagnosis of skin cancer and then prompt, aggressive treatment is necessary because of risk of early spread. “Early and complete removal of these

skin cancers is essential to try and reduce recurrence and the spread to different parts of the body.” This comes after it was revealed skin cancer patients will benefit from a powerful

combination of drugs which could wipe out tumours in a fifth of patients. Experts have also revealed a modified version on the herpes virus could help cure patients. Experts have also

revealed aggressive skin cancer can be triggered by a virus.