Understanding Skin tumour

A tumour is the abnormal growth of cells in a particular part of the body. Skin tumour is the abnormal growth of cells in the skin. It usually occurs in the topmost layer of the skin and then spreads to the other parts of the body.

There are different types of cells in the skin. Based on the cell type that is displaying abnormal growth, skin tumour is divided into the following types:

Staging is an integral part of diagnosing and determining the optimum treatment method for a patient. It involves assessing the size and spread of the tumour. There are different tests to determine the stages of different types of skin tumours.

Typically, you don’t need to determine the stage of Basal Cell Carcinoma since the tumour usually does not spread. The doctor might recommend a staging test only if the tumour is huge. SCC patients are more likely to be tested for staging since squamous cell tumours are known to spread.

Here is a quick look at the different stages of skin tumours:

Stage 0

This stage is also called carcinoma in situ (cancer cells in place). In other words, this stage implies that the cancer cells are in the region where they originated and have not yet spread to the surrounding regions.

Stage I

This stage means that the diameter of the tumour is less than 2 cm and it has not spread to the surrounding regions.

Stage II

This stage means that the diameter of the tumour is between 2 and 4 cm and it has not spread to the surrounding regions.

Stage III

This stage can mean different things as described below:

a. The diameter of the tumour is more than 4 cm but:

• Grown into the space surrounding a nerve

• Not spread to the lymph nodes

• Grown below the layer of fat under the skin

• Grown into the bones in the surrounding region

b. The diameter of the tumour is less than 4 cm but has spread to even a single lymph node on the same side of the body. However, it has not spread to the outside covering of the lymph node.

Stage IV

This stage implies that the cancer cells have spread to at least one lymph node in the body. It can mean that the cancer cells have spread to:

a. The bone or the bone marrow

b. Other distant organs of the body

c. More than one lymph node

d. Only one lymph node that is between 3 and 6 cm in size

e. Lymph nodes on the other side of the body as the tumour

It can also mean that the tumour has grown through the outside covering of a lymph node.

Here are some common symptoms of skin cancer:

• Sores: If you have a sore that has not healed for a few weeks, then it can be a sign of skin cancer

• Ulcers: Skin ulcers are sores that are round and open. If it doesn’t heal for a few weeks for no apparent reason, then you might want to get tested for skin cancer

• Unusual lump: If you have observed an unusual lump on your skin that seems to be growing at a slow pace, then seek a doctor’s opinion.

• Changes in moles or freckles: If you have a mole or freckles and have started observing certain changes in them, then talk to a doctor to rule out skin cancer

• Red patches: If you are getting red patches on your skin that is not going away, then talk to a doctor about it

Here are the symptoms of the different types of skin cancers:

While the definite causes of skin tumours are not known, here are some factors that increase the risk of developing a skin tumour:

• Exposure to the sun: While sunlight is good for health, overexposure to it can damage the skin cells and increase the risk of developing a skin tumour.

• Family history: Many studies have found that people with a family history of SCC are at a higher risk of developing it compared to those without any such case in their families. Also, people with a family history of melanoma are at a higher risk of developing BCC.

• Personal history: If you have already battled skin cancer, then you are at a higher risk of developing the disease again compared to someone who has never been diagnosed with it.

• Certain skin conditions: Here is a quick list of skin conditions that can increase the risk of developing skin cancer:**

  • Solar keratosis

  • Xeroderma pigmentosum

  • Atopic dermatitis and certain treatments

Some treatments for psoriasis

• Radiation exposure: If you have received radiation therapy in the past, then that area is more likely to develop a skin tumour compared to other parts of your body. Hence, it is important to keep it protected from the sun

• Weak immune system: if your immune system has become weak due to any reason, then you are at a higher risk of developing a skin tumour

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some strains of the HPV can increase your risk of developing skin cancer

• Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals is known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. These chemicals include:**

  • Arsenic

  • Coal tar

  • Creosote

  • Petroleum products, etc.

Here are some tests that can help diagnose skin cancer:

First, the doctor will examine the affected area closely. Usually, it is very difficult to differentiate between malignant and benign skin tumour conditions. If the doctor suspects a tumour, then he might ask you to undergo a biopsy. There are different types of biopsies:**

• Incisional biopsy: where the doctor removes a small part of the affected skin. He makes sure that the sample contains the complete thickness of the skin

• Excisional biopsy: where the doctor removes the entire affected area along with a border of healthy cells and tissues

• Punch biopsy: The doctor removes a small circle of the complete thickness of the skin using a special device for punch biopsy

• Shave biopsy: The doctor scrapes the top layer of the skin for conducting tests

  Once the sample is collected, it is sent to be examined under a microscope to detect any cancer cells. Suppose the tests reveal the presence of cancer. In that case, the doctor might recommend some additional tests like:**

• CT Scan: To help determine if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body

• Lymph node biopsy: To help confirm or negate the suspicion that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes

While there are multiple treatment options for skin cancer, doctors determine the optimum treatment plan based on four primary factors:

1. Type of skin cancer

2. The location of the tumour

3. The spread of cancer cells

4. The stage of the tumour

Here is a quick look at the different treatment options:

Surgery

Depending on the area where the tumour is formed, surgery is usually the most common approach to skin cancer. The doctor will surgically remove the tumour along with some healthy tissues surrounding it.

Radiation Therapy

In this treatment, high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. Usually, doctors recommend radiotherapy if the patient is unable to get the surgery done or has developed a tumour in an area that is not easy to operate on. It is also recommended for patients who are experiencing the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes.

Immunotherapy

In this treatment, the doctor might prescribe a cream or a drug to boost your body's immune system so that it can fight the cancer cells and destroy them.

Photo Dynamic Therapy

In this treatment, the doctor administers a drug that increases your sensitivity to light and then uses specialised light to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

The treatment includes anti-cancer drugs and a cream to help fight the disease.

Overexposure to UV rays in sunlight is deemed to be the biggest risk factor for skin cancer. Hence, to prevent skin cancer, here are some tips:

Safety from the UV rays of the sun

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage our skin. Hence, it is important to avoid overexposure to sunlight and UV rays. Other areas where we are exposed to UV rays are tanning beds and sunlamps.

Assess your family’s health history

Since the presence of certain types of skin cancers in the family can increase your risk of getting affected, it is important to assess the family history of cancers to understand the risks better.

Regular skin checks

Many people don’t look at their skin as regularly as they should as it can avoid unnecessary complications. Make sure that you check your skin frequently and talk to a doctor if you suspect a tumour.

Diagnosing, treating, and managing a skin tumour or skin cancer can dent your finances. When you opt for a medical insurance plan from TATA AIG, you get a range of benefits including:

• Extensive coverage: With TATA AIG, you can get complete coverage for a range of medical emergencies like hospitalization, surgeries, and other costs like diagnostic tests, etc.

• Treatment without paying upfront: Also called cashless hospitalization, TATA AIG allows you to get admitted to a network hospital and get treated for an ailment covered under the policy without paying anything upfront and claiming later. TATA AIG ensures that your bills are cleared with the hospital while you focus on getting better.

• Cost-efficiency: Being a customer-centric organization, TATA AIG offers a range of plans at highly affordable premium rates.

• Hassle-free claim process: With TATA AIG, you can get your claims processed in a simple manner without having to go through complex processes and forms.

Here is a quick look at the process to buy TATA AIG Health insurance:

Online Process

a. Visit the official website of Tata AIG General Insurance

b. Go to the Health Insurance page.

c. Here you have two choices:

• Select “Self” if you want to buy an individual health insurance plan

• If you are planning to buy a family insurance policy, then select the family members that you want to be included

d. Click on “Get Plan”.

e. Provide information about all covered members

f. Click on “See Plan”

g. You will be able to see a list of insurance plans based on the information provided.

h. Select the best plan for you and your family

i. Choose the add-on covers and sum insured based on your requirements

j. Click on “Buy Now”

k. We will call you to complete the buying process

Offline purchase:

a. Go to the nearest TATA AIG office

b. Talk to our representative and explain your health insurance requirements

c. Offer information about the existing medical condition of all insured members and complete the application process

d. Select the sum insured and any additional add-on covers that you may require

e. Review the policy details, premium amount, and coverage benefits

f. Pay the fees

When you decide to buy a health insurance policy from TATA AIG, you will be required to submit certain documents to establish your identity and other details. Here is a list of some common documents required by all users:

• Age Proof: This usually includes documents like your Aadhar Card, passport, etc.

• Address Proof: This usually includes your utility bill, bank statement, etc.

• Identity Proof: This usually includes your PAN Card, Aadhar Card, etc.

• Medical History: This usually includes doctor’s reports and test results of any pre-existing disease

• Other documents: This can include your IT returns, proof of income, etc.

Cancer treatments are known to be highly costly. Without a health insurance policy, managing the costs of the treatments can drain your finances. Therefore, it is important to look for a policy that offers complete coverage to help manage medical emergencies with ease.

Here are the factors to look for in a health insurance plan:

• Sum Insured: Consider the city/town that you live in and get an estimate of the cancer treatment costs. Also, factor in a loss in pay since you might not be able to go to the office. Based on such factors calculate the right sum insured by the policy.

• Value for money: Health insurance premiums are recurring costs. Therefore, it is important to find a policy that offers the best coverage at the most affordable rates. If the premium of the policy you need is high, then make sure that you can consider opting for co-payment or deductibles.

• Wide range of network hospitals: Make sure that the insurance provider has a wide range of hospitals and healthcare providers to help you get a cashless treatment done without having to travel unusually long distances.

• Avoid policies with sub-limits: Look for a health insurance policy where the insurer does not cap the amount spent on a hospital room or include any other sub-limits.

The purpose of a health insurance policy is to provide financial coverage during medical emergencies. Depending on the insurer, the ailment, and the hospital where you get treated, claims can be of two types:

1: Cashless claims

Tata AIG offers this facility where we ask policyholders to get treated at a network hospital so that the bills can be cleared directly. Hence, policyholders do not have to pay upfront and claim later. If you opt for a cashless claim, keep these things in mind:

• Inform us at least five days in advance if the treatment is planned

• If it is an emergency, then get admitted. However, talk to us within 24 hours to receive approval for cashless treatment

2: Reimbursement claims

If you are getting treated at a non-network hospital, then cashless treatments will not be possible. Hence, you will have to pay the hospital bills and claim them after being discharged. Keep these things in mind:

• Talk to us to understand the list of documents you need to submit to get your claim processed

• Collect the required documents and keep them safely

• File a claim as soon as you are discharged from the hospital

Here are some overall tips for a smooth claim process:

• Check the last date of the policy before you start the treatment

• Go through the list of inclusions and exclusions to understand the nature and scope of coverage offered by the insurer

• Understand and follow the claims process of the insurer

The Income Tax Act, 1961 offers tax deduction benefits to individuals and HUFs for paying the premium of a health insurance policy. This policy can be for yourself, your spouse, your children, and your parents.

Scenario 1: You are less than 60 years old and have purchased a policy covering your family but excluding your parents

Maximum deduction amount = ₹25,000 per year

This will also cover the costs of preventive health check-ups of up to ₹5,000 per year.

Scenario 2: You are over 60 years old and have purchased a policy covering your family but excluding your parents

Maximum deduction amount = ₹50,000 per year

This will also cover the costs of preventive health check-ups of up to ₹7,000 per year.

Scenario 3: You are less than 60 years old with a health cover and you have purchased a separate policy covering your family, including dependent parents who are under 60 years old

Maximum deduction limit: ₹25,000 per year for your family + ₹25,000 per year for your parent’s coverage

Scenario 4: You are less than 60 years old with a health cover and you have purchased a separate policy covering your family, including dependent parents who are over 60 years old

Maximum deduction limit: ₹25,000 per year for your family + ₹50,000 per year for your parent’s coverage

Scenario 5: You are over 60 years old with a health cover and you have purchased a separate policy covering your family, including dependent parents who are over 60 years old

Maximum deduction limit: ₹50,000 per year for your family + ₹50,000 per year for your parent’s coverage

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

Under 60 years of age: Maximum deduction limit: ₹25,000 per year

Over 60 years of age: Maximum deduction limit: ₹50,000 per year

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

For NRIs, the maximum deduction limit is ₹25,000 per year