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Skin Cancer in Kuwait: Symptoms, Types & Imaging Evaluation

“Every minute, someone is diagnosed with skin cancer.”
In sun-rich countries like Kuwait, constant UV exposure increases the risk — making early detection and imaging evaluation vital.

At Images Diagnostic Center in Kuwait, we offer advanced medical imaging solutions — CT scans, MRI scans, PETCT, and ultrasound imaging — to assess all skin cancer types, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and benign tumors.


Common Symptoms of Skin Cancer

  • New or changing mole (asymmetry, irregular borders)

  • Non-healing sore (lasting more than 3 weeks)

  • Bleeding, crusting, or scaling skin patches

  • Itchy or painful skin lesions

  • Rapid changes in texture or color

Kuwait-specific insight: Continuous sun exposure raises risk by 68%, per Kuwait Journal of Medicine (2023).


Types of Skin Cancer and Imaging Evaluation

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)


2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)


3. Melanoma – The Most Dangerous Form

  • Prevalence: Only 4% of cases but highest risk of metastasis

  • Symptoms:

    • Asymmetrical mole

    • Multicolored pigmentation

    • Diameter > 6mm

    • Rapid change in size, shape, or color

Kuwait Warning.. Melanoma incidence increasing by 3% annually due to outdoor lifestyles and sun exposure.

  • Imaging Tool: PET-CT or MRI for metastasis detection.

Learn more about melanoma diagnosis and imaging


4. Benign Skin Tumors

Examples: Seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibromas

Typical Signs:

    • Uniform color and shape

    • Stable size over years

    • Painless and non-bleeding

    • Smooth, well-defined edges

When to Image:

    • Sudden appearance or changes

    • Deep tissue involvement suspected

    • New pain or bleeding

 Book a benign lesion evaluation


Skin Cancer Type Comparison

TypePrevalenceMetastasis RiskKey Imaging Tool
Basal Cell Carcinoma80%Very LowMRI
Squamous Cell Carcinoma16%ModerateCT Scan
Melanoma4%HighPET-CT
Benign TumorsNot ApplicableNoneUltrasound

ABCDE Rule for Detecting Melanoma

Use this self-check to assess any mole or lesion:

  • A – Asymmetry: Uneven shape

  • B – Border: Irregular or blurred edges

  • C – Color: Multiple colors (brown, black, red)

  • D – Diameter: Greater than 6mm

  • E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or behavior

Kuwait protocol: Annual ABCDE checks recommended for residents over 30.

You can also explore our skin cancer awareness resources to learn how early imaging helps.


When Is Imaging Used for Skin Cancer?

At Images Diagnostic Center – Kuwait, we use:

  • CT Scans: Evaluate lymph nodes and detect potential metastasis

  • MRI: Assess depth of tumors in soft tissues

  • PET-CT: Detect and monitor melanoma spread

  • Ultrasound: Monitor benign or localized lesions

Book Your Skin Imaging Appointment

For Residents in Kuwait, Take proactive steps to protect your skin

 At Images Diagnostic Center, we offer same-day appointments for advanced skin cancer imaging. Our radiologists are experienced in evaluating lesions on Middle Eastern skin types.

Book Your Skin Imaging Appointment in Images 

n, contact Images Diagnostic Center in Kuwait over the Phone., WhatsApp Or the registration form our expert radiology team provides high-resolution CT and MRI scans to support your physician in diagnosing and managing skin cancer.

Medically reviewed by DR. Yahya Slaiman

Dr. Yahya Slaiman is a radiology specialist with over 33 years of experience and advanced qualifications from France and Syria. He is skilled in MRI (1.5T/3T), CT scans, Doppler ultrasound, and mammography, with particular expertise in brain, musculoskeletal, and vascular imaging.

References

  1. World Health Organization – Skin Cancer
  2. Skin Cancer Foundation
  3. CDC – Skin Cancer Basics
  4. American Academy of Dermatology
  5. Kuwait Journal of Medicine, 2023 (regional UV exposure data)
FAQs
Are benign skin tumors dangerous?

Usually not, but they should be monitored for any changes.

Not for initial diagnosis (biopsy required), but essential for staging.

Melanoma is the most aggressive form and poses the highest risk of metastasis.

Not typically. Imaging is used after a diagnosis is confirmed to evaluate the extent or spread.

If it changes in size, color, shape, bleeds, itches, or does not heal within 3 weeks.