Actinic keratosis and melanoma are highly dangerous types of skin cancer on the scalp compared to basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
Skin cancer on the scalp can be caused by actinic keratosis or melanoma. These types of skin cancer are far more dangerous than basal or squamous cell carcinomas.
Knowing the differences between them will help you better understand your treatment options. Here are a few things you should know about these cancers and their treatments.
Understanding Skin Cancer on the Scalp
Actinic keratosis causes skin cancer
If you have actinic keratosis, the first line of treatment is to stay out of the sun. If you must be outdoors, always wear protective clothing with a high SPF factor.
You should also apply sunscreen on your scalp and use lip balm with a sunscreen. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outside. Reapply if you sweat.
Actinic keratoses are often treated as minor skin growths. If you have a single growth, it can be removed with a bandage and is not likely to spread.
However, if you have multiple actinic keratoses, you should go to a dermatologist regularly. The doctor can check for any new growths and prevent them from spreading.
If you have any new scaly patches on your skin, see a dermatologist immediately. These growths are not cancerous, but can become precancerous if they are not treated. If left untreated, they can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
People with pale skin are more susceptible to developing actinic keratosis than people with darker skin. It is also more likely in people who are freckly or sunburned. People with red or blonde hair or blue eyes are also at a greater risk of developing AKs.
Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratoses, is a precancerous skin growth that usually appears on areas of the body that receive a lot of exposure to sunlight. It can be easily mistaken for a wart and can eventually turn cancerous if left untreated.
As the National Health Service states, Actinic Keratoses patches aren’t usually serious. However, they can become skin cancer, so it’s necessary to avoid further damage.
Melanoma on the Scalp
Melanoma of the scalp can be difficult to diagnose because it is often hidden by hair. In addition, if a melanoma of the scalp is not detected in time, it may spread to other parts of the body.
The survival rate for this type of melanoma is only 60 percent. Those with a high risk of developing it include the elderly and those who have extensive sun exposure.
In addition, men are six times more likely to develop the cancer on their scalp than women. This is likely related to the higher rates of cumulative ultraviolet exposure and the higher incidence of androgenetic alopecia in men.
More people die from melanoma than from basal cell carcinoma
Patients with melanoma should be treated quickly and aggressively. The survival rate depends on many factors, including the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes. The more distant the cancer has spread, the worse the prognosis.
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and results in more deaths than basal or squamous cell carcinomas combined. Most cases of this disease develop in sun-exposed areas.
But melanoma can develop in other parts of the body, including the ears and neck. In both cases, it appears as a brown-pigmented patch.
Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, inside your body, such as in your nose or throat.
Although the disease is uncommon, it is important to recognize early symptoms to prevent its spread. If detected early, melanoma has a 99% survival rate if treated appropriately. African Americans, Hispanics, and people of other ethnic groups are at an increased risk for developing the disease.
Squamous cell cancer is a more aggressive form of skin cancer. It can spread through the skin’s layers and can invade the lymphatic system, the bloodstream, and nerve pathways. The cancer may be difficult to treat and may even spread to other organs.
In the United States, melanoma is the eighth most common malignancy, and the rate is increasing. It’s estimated that one in every 1,500 Americans will develop melanoma during his or her lifetime.
While non-melanoma skin cancer typically affects older people, melanoma tends to be more prevalent in young adults. However, there is no reliable way to predict when a person will develop this deadly type of cancer.
As explained on the NHS website, non-melanoma skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops slowly in the skin’s upper layers.
Treatment Options for Scalp Melanoma
The treatment options for scalp melanoma depend on the type and location of the cancer. If the melanoma is localized, it can be removed using excisional surgery. For more advanced cases, it may be necessary to undergo imaging tests of the lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy to reduce the amount of cancer cells. It is most often given after surgery. It can also be used in cases where surgery has been unsuccessful. It is associated with certain side effects, including skin irritation and fatigue.
However, most side effects will clear up within several weeks. In the meantime, topical corticosteroid creams and antibiotics may help relieve side effects caused by radiation therapy.
The five-year recurrence rate of cutaneous malignant melanoma of the head and neck is only 3% to 8%. This is lower than the recurrence rate of other types of melanoma. Patients with head and neck melanoma may also undergo reconstructive surgery.
The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes near the melanoma to determine whether it has spread. The surgeon may then perform adjuvant treatment to minimize the chance of the cancer recurrence.
This may include radiation therapy or interferon. In addition, some patients may choose to take medication or join a research study.
Before beginning treatment, it is important to understand all treatment options. Talk to your doctor about your goals and expectations and ask questions if you are not clear about something.
Then, ask your doctor to discuss a shared decision-making process, which helps you decide between different options and ultimately, makes treatment easier.
How Do I Know If I Have Skin Cancer on My Scalp?
Typically, scalp skin cancer can be diagnosed using a physical examination and a biopsy. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your general health and family history of skin cancer. They will also check for abnormal skin conditions with a dermatoscope.
Is Skin Cancer Common on the Scalp?
The majority of skin cancer is found on the skin and the scalp is no different. The scalp is well vascularized and has a varied lymphatic drainage system.
As a result, melanomas on the scalp tend to have a faster mitotic rate than those on other parts of the body. Fortunately, the cancers can often be treated successfully if discovered in an early stage.
Can Skin Cancer on the Scalp Spread to Brain?
It is possible for skin cancer on the scalp to spread to other areas of the body. It is not very common, but it can occur. If it is detected early, it is possible for doctors to treat it effectively.
In advanced cases, the cancer may spread to the brain. The best way to detect this condition is to have a physical examination by a doctor. The healthcare provider will check for any abnormalities on the skin with a dermatoscope.
