Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide — and while it is highly treatable when caught early, delayed diagnosis can let even a simple basal cell carcinoma progress into a complex condition. At CION Cancer Clinics — Hyderabad's most accessible cancer care network — our surgical and medical oncology team delivers evidence-based skin cancer treatment across 7 locations, so the right care is never far away.
Skin cancer develops when DNA damage — most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation — causes skin cells to grow uncontrollably. India sees a significant and rising burden of skin cancers, with squamous cell carcinoma being particularly prevalent due to high UV exposure, outdoor occupations, and limited sun protection habits.
The good news: the vast majority of skin cancers are curable when detected early. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have cure rates exceeding 95% with appropriate treatment. Even melanoma — the most dangerous form — has dramatically improved survival rates with modern immunotherapy and targeted therapy when diagnosed before it spreads.
Choosing a specialist oncology centre over a general hospital or dermatology clinic makes a measurable difference in outcomes, particularly for melanoma, Mohs surgery cases, and skin cancers requiring reconstructive procedures.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally every year. Early detection and specialist treatment are the most effective tools for improving survival.
Skin cancer is not a single disease. The treatment approach, prognosis, and urgency differ significantly across subtypes. At CION, every patient's diagnosis is confirmed at the histopathological level before any treatment plan is finalised.
The most common type, accounting for approximately 75–80% of all skin cancers. BCC develops in the basal cells — the deepest layer of the outer skin — and almost always appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, head, and neck. It typically presents as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-coloured lesion, or a bleeding or scabbing sore. BCC rarely spreads to other organs but can cause significant local destruction if neglected. Highly curable with surgery.
SCC develops in the squamous cells of the outer skin layers. It typically appears as a red, scaly patch, an open sore, or a wart-like growth on sun-exposed areas including the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. Unlike BCC, SCC carries a meaningful risk of spreading to lymph nodes and other organs if left untreated. Curable with early surgical intervention.
The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma develops in the melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells. It can appear anywhere on the body, not just sun-exposed areas, and often develops from an existing mole that changes shape, size, colour, or begins to bleed. Melanoma can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and distant organs. When detected early, it is highly curable; advanced melanoma is now treated with effective immunotherapy and targeted therapy. CION's medical oncology team follows current NCCN and ESMO guidelines for melanoma treatment in Hyderabad.
A rare but aggressive skin cancer that develops in Merkel cells — specialised cells associated with touch sensation. It typically appears as a flesh-coloured or bluish-red nodule, often on the face or neck. Merkel cell carcinoma grows and spreads quickly, requiring prompt specialist oncology intervention. CION's multidisciplinary tumour board reviews all Merkel cell cases individually.
Less common skin cancers include cutaneous lymphoma (cancer of the skin's lymphatic cells), Kaposi sarcoma, skin adnexal tumours, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). CION's oncology team is equipped to diagnose and manage rare subtypes through its tumour board review process.
Understanding your risk is the first step in prevention and early detection. The following factors increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer:
Most skin cancers are visible to the naked eye before they spread. Regular self-examination and knowing what to look for can lead to diagnosis at a highly treatable stage. The ABCDE rule is the internationally recognised guide for identifying suspicious moles or skin lesions.
One half of the mole or lesion does not match the other half in shape.
Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined.
Variation in colour within the same lesion — shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
Larger than 6mm across (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
Any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.
If you notice any of these signs — or a sore on the skin that does not heal within 4 weeks — consult a skin cancer specialist in Hyderabad at your nearest CION location without delay. Early detection is the single most important factor in skin cancer outcomes.
The ABCDE rule has been shown to help identify early-stage melanoma in self-examination studies. Tumours caught at Stage I melanoma have a five-year survival rate exceeding 98%, according to the American Cancer Society.
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Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
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Most skin cancers are highly curable when treated early at a specialist oncology centre. Speak with our team across 7 Hyderabad locations.
An accurate diagnosis is essential before any treatment begins. Our diagnostic pathway is thorough, efficient, and aligned with international oncology standards.
A detailed physical examination of the lesion and full skin surface by a trained oncologist. Suspicious lesions are assessed for the ABCDE criteria and documented for monitoring or biopsy.
Histopathological confirmation through one of four techniques chosen by your surgeon:
For melanoma, high-risk SCC, and Merkel cell carcinoma, additional staging tests determine whether the cancer has spread:
Treatment is determined by the type, stage, size, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient's age and overall health. CION follows NCCN protocol-driven treatment planning, reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board for every case.
Surgery is the first-line treatment for the majority of skin cancers. CION's surgical oncology team performs excisional surgery (the gold standard for most BCCs and SCCs), Mohs micrographic surgery for cosmetically sensitive areas, wide local excision for melanoma with margins guided by Breslow thickness, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and regional lymph node dissection when nodes are involved.
For skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive locations — the face, nose, ear, eyelid — tumour removal can leave a significant defect. CION coordinates post-surgical reconstructive care to restore function and appearance, including skin grafts, local flap repairs, and tissue rearrangement. Discuss your reconstruction options with your surgeon at CION before any procedure.
Delivered using advanced IMRT and IGRT techniques. Used when surgery is not feasible due to tumour location, size, or patient health; as adjuvant therapy for high-risk SCCs or Merkel cell carcinoma with close/positive margins; for patients who decline surgery; and for palliation in advanced or metastatic cases.
Chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic SCC and Merkel cell carcinoma not amenable to surgery or radiation. Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and BRAF-targeted therapy for advanced melanoma — detailed in the section below.
Topical chemotherapy (5-FU) for superficial BCCs and actinic keratosis. Imiquimod stimulates the local immune response. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen freezes small, superficial early-stage lesions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a photosensitising agent activated by light to destroy cancerous and pre-cancerous cells — effective for superficial BCCs, actinic keratosis, and Bowen's disease.
Advanced and metastatic melanoma was once considered very difficult to treat. Over the past decade, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF-targeted therapy has transformed melanoma outcomes. CION's medical oncology team delivers these protocols in alignment with NCCN and ESMO guidelines.
Checkpoint inhibitors release the natural brakes on the immune system, allowing it to recognise and attack melanoma cells. CION delivers:
Approximately 40–50% of melanomas carry a BRAF V600E mutation. For these patients, BRAF-targeted therapy offers rapid tumour response rates:
At CION, every skin cancer case — from a straightforward BCC to a complex metastatic melanoma — is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board comprising surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. This ensures:
Ten reasons our patients pick CION — Mohs micrographic surgery, advanced immunotherapy, reconstructive care, and NCCN protocols.
1,000+ cancer cases
7 locations across Hyderabad
5-Star NABH Accredited
NCCN Protocol Adherence
Mohs micrographic surgery
Advanced melanoma immunotherapy
Reconstructive care coordination
Multidisciplinary tumour board review
Aarogyasri empanelled & EMI
4.8 / 5 Google rating
The cost of skin cancer treatment in Hyderabad varies based on the cancer type, stage, and treatment plan. The reference ranges below are based on current market data. A personalised estimate is provided after your initial oncology consultation at CION.
| Treatment | Approx. Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Excisional Surgery (BCC / SCC) | ₹30,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Varies by tumour size and location |
| Mohs Micrographic Surgery | ₹60,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Higher for complex facial cases requiring reconstruction |
| Radiation Therapy (full course) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 | IMRT / IGRT techniques may vary |
| Melanoma Surgery + Sentinel Node Biopsy | ₹75,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Staging investigations additional |
| Immunotherapy (per cycle) | ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000+ | Pembrolizumab / nivolumab; may be covered under insurance |
| Full Treatment (multi-modal) | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000+ | Depending on stage, treatment plan, and room category |
CION Cancer Clinics is India's fastest-growing cancer care network, with over 35 centres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated exclusively to oncology, CION delivers NABH-accredited, NCCN protocol-driven cancer care — bringing world-class treatment closer to patients across the region.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified oncologist for guidance specific to your medical condition. The information on this page is periodically reviewed and updated by CION's medical team in accordance with current clinical guidelines.
Mohs micrographic surgery has the highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma — exceeding 99% for primary BCC — while preserving the most healthy tissue. It is especially valuable for cancers on the face, nose, and ears where cosmetic outcomes matter.
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Start Your Story. Book Free Consultation.The best treatment depends on the type and stage of skin cancer. For most basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, surgical removal — either excisional surgery or Mohs micrographic surgery — is the most effective option with cure rates exceeding 95%. Melanoma treatment depends on the stage: early-stage melanoma is treated with surgery; advanced melanoma is treated with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) and BRAF-targeted therapy where applicable. CION's tumour board selects the most appropriate protocol for every individual case.
Skin cancer treatment costs in Hyderabad typically range from approximately ₹30,000 for simple excisional surgery to ₹4,00,000 or more for multi-modal treatment involving surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation. Mohs surgery costs between ₹60,000 and ₹2,00,000 depending on complexity. CION provides a personalised estimate after your oncology consultation. Aarogyasri and EMI payment options are available.
Yes — the vast majority of skin cancers are curable, especially when caught early. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have cure rates exceeding 95% with prompt surgical treatment. Even melanoma, the most serious form, is highly curable at Stage I and Stage II. Access to immunotherapy and targeted therapy at specialist centres like CION has significantly improved outcomes even for advanced melanoma.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its ability to spread rapidly to lymph nodes and other organs. However, melanoma detected at an early stage has an excellent prognosis — five-year survival rates exceed 98% for Stage I disease. Merkel cell carcinoma is another aggressive but rare subtype requiring specialist management.
The most important warning signs are: a new skin growth or mole that appears suddenly; a mole that changes in size, shape, colour, or begins to bleed or itch; a sore that does not heal within 4 weeks; a rough or scaly red patch; or a pearly, waxy bump on sun-exposed skin. Use the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) to assess moles during regular self-examination. If you notice any of these signs, consult a specialist without delay.
Mohs micrographic surgery is the most precise technique for removing skin cancer. The surgeon removes thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time, examining each layer under a microscope immediately in the clinic while the patient waits. The procedure continues until all margins are free of cancer cells. It is used for BCCs and SCCs in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk locations — the face, nose, ears, eyelids, and scalp — where preserving healthy tissue is important. It has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer surgical technique.
Melanoma develops in the melanocytes (pigment cells) and can appear anywhere on the body, not just sun-exposed areas. Unlike BCC and SCC which grow slowly and rarely spread, melanoma can metastasise rapidly to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain if not treated promptly. It requires wider surgical margins, sentinel lymph node assessment, and in advanced stages, systemic treatment with immunotherapy or BRAF-targeted therapy — all of which CION's oncology team is equipped to deliver.
Survival rates vary significantly by type and stage. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have near-100% cure rates when treated early. For melanoma: Stage I — five-year survival exceeds 98%; Stage II — approximately 80–85%; Stage III — 60–70% with modern immunotherapy; Stage IV — historically poor but now significantly improved with checkpoint inhibitor therapy, with 5-year survival reaching 40–50% in some trials. Early detection remains the most powerful tool for improving outcomes.
Absolutely. CION offers a dedicated Second Opinion service where our tumour board reviews your existing biopsy results, pathology reports, and imaging before recommending a treatment plan. This is particularly valuable for melanoma diagnoses, complex facial skin cancers, or cases where surgery involving reconstruction is planned. A second opinion before any major procedure is considered best practice in oncology.
CION Cancer Clinics is empanelled under the Aarogyasri Health Care Trust, providing cashless treatment coverage for eligible Telangana residents holding a White Ration Card. Most private health insurers also offer cashless hospitalisation at CION, and our team assists with insurance approvals and TPA coordination. EMI payment options are also available for all patients.