Skin Cancer

Providing the most advanced Skin Cancer Treatments

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin Cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. More than one million Americans are estimated to develop skin cancer every year. The primary cause of skin cancer is over exposure to sunlight, including tanning, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Other less important factors include repeated medical and industrial x-ray exposure, scarring from disease and/or burns, occupational exposure to such compounds as coal and arsenic, and family history. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particular high risk for skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

Actinic Keratoses (AK) - The Earliest Skin Cancer

Actinic keratoses or solar keratoses are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. They are small, scaly spots most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, lower arms, and back of the hands in fair-skinned individuals who have had significant sun exposure. Some actinic keratoses may progress to advanced stages which require more extensive treatment. Proper use of sunscreens can help prevent actinic keratoses even after extensive sun damage has already occurred.

Actinic keratoses Treatments:

• cryotherapy (freezing)
• topical chemotherapy (applying a cream or lotion)
• chemical peeling
• dermabrasion
• laser surgery
• curettage
• photodynamic therapy (a chemical is applied to the skin prior to exposure to a light source)
• other dermatologic surgical procedures.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and appears frequently on the head, neck, and hands as a small, fleshy bump, nodule, or red patch. Other parts of the body may be affected as well. Basal cell carcinomas are frequently found in fair-skinned people and rarely occur in dark skin. They do not spread quickly. It can take many months or years for one to grow to a diameter of one-half inch. Untreated, the cancer often will begin to bleed, crust over, heal, and repeat the cycle. Although this type of cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can extend below the skin to the bone and nerves, causing considerable local damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer; it is primarily found in fair-skinned people and rarely in dark-skinned individuals. Typically located on the rim of the ear, the face, lips, and mouth, this cancer may appear as a bump, or as a red, scaly patch. SCC can develop into large masses and become invasive. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, this form of cancer can metastasize (spread to other parts of the body); therefore, it is important to get early treatment. When found early and treated properly, the cure rate for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas is over 95 percent.

Malignant Melanoma - Most Deadly Skin Cancer

Malignant Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers, killing an estimated 7,700 Americans annually. Melanoma death rates are declining because melanoma is usually curable when detected in its early stages and patients are seeking help sooner.

Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin which makes the skin tan. Since melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin, the cancer appears in mixed shades of tan, brown, and black although it can also be red or white. Melanoma can spread, making treatment essential. Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in or near a mole, or another dark spot in the skin.

It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on the body to detect changes early. Any changing mole must be examined by a dermatologist. Early melanoma can be removed while still in the curable stage.

Consult a dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

• Asymmetry:  One half doesn't match the other half in size, shape, color, or thickness.
• Border Irregularity:  Edges are ragged, scalloped, or poorly defined.
• Color:  The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance.
• Diameter:  While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small), you should see a dermatologist.

Melanoma Warning Signs Include:

• Changes in the surface of a mole.
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a new bump.
• Spread of pigment from the border of a mole into surrounding skin.
• Change in sensation including itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

Skin Cancer Treatments

Depending upon the type of cancer, its location, and the needs of the individual, there are many medical and surgical procedures available to treat skin cancer.

• Dermatologic surgical treatments include surgical excision, electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) which involves alternately scraping or burning the tumor in combination with low levels of electricity, cryosurgery (freezing using liquid nitrogen), and laser surgery. Mohs micrographic surgery is a special procedure used to remove the whole tumor while sparing as much normal skin as possible.
• Other dermatologic treatments include radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy (a chemical is applied to the skin prior to exposure to a light source). Topical chemotherapy products may also be used.
• Early detection is the surest cure. Develop a regular routine to inspect your body for any skin changes. If a growth, mole, sore, or skin discoloration appears suddenly, or begins to change, see a dermatologist.
• Make sure to look at the entire body every month or two. Watch for changes in the number, size, shape, and color of pigmented areas.
• Examine body front and back in mirror, then right and left sides, arms raised.
• Bend elbows, look carefully at forearms, back of upper arms, and palms.
• Next, look at backs of legs and feet, spaces between toes, and soles.
• Examine back of neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair to lift.
• Finally, check back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

 

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