Skin Cancer Basics

The most common and fastest growing cancer in the United States is skin cancer. Many people are unaware that one in five Americans will develop a skin cancer at some point in their life. After a long summer in the sun many patients come into the office concerned about potential damage they have done. Once ultraviolet light damage is done to the skin, either from the sun or artificial sources, the damage is irreversible. 

We are all at risk for skin cancer; however, individuals who are fair-skinned, live in the southern United States or have a history of multiple blistering burns are at a much higher risk. Skin cancer can also occur on non-sun exposed areas of the body or in individuals who have only had limited sun-exposure. 

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

With over 800,000 new cases a year, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the United States and although the most frequent, BCC is the least invasive of all skin cancers. The site most frequently affected is the nose; therefore sun block on the face is imperative. Most Basal Cell Cancers are treated successfully with surgical excision, however larger skin cancers can lead to significant scarring. 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Another common skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma with over 200,000 new cases per year. Squamous cell skin cancers typically appear on the arms, face, back, and legs. Some squamous cell cancers can be aggressive and need a combination of treatment ranging from surgery and radiation, to chemotherapy. 

Melanoma

With over 60,000 new cases a year and 8,000 deaths per year, Malignant Melanoma is considered the most aggressive of all skin cancers. Known as the “silent killer” on average over twenty deaths occur each day from this deadly disease. Many patients are unaware that 80% of skin damage from ultra-violet light occurs before the age of 20. One blistering sunburn in childhood doubles a person’s chance of developing melanoma. Exposure to a tanning bed before the age of 35 results in a 75% increase risk of developing melanoma in a person’s lifetime. Teenagers routinely use tanning beds before school dances or just to “look good,” are increasing their risk for melanoma ten- fold. Treatment of melanoma ranges from simple excision of the lesion with frequent follow-up to extensive surgery including biopsy of lymph nodes and systemic therapy. 

Protect & Inspect

Routine monthly self-skin checks at home are important. If a mole or lesion is changing it should be checked by your doctor. The ABCD’s are a simple way to check mole. First, check for Asymmetry of the lesion. Moles should be a nice round circle and not look like the outline of Australia. Second, moles should have a smooth Border. If the border is jagged that could be a problem. Third, if the Col- or of a mole is dark brown to black it needs to be checked immediately. Finally, if the Diameter of a mole is generally larger than an eraser on a pencil or increasing in size it needs to be evaluated. Annual skin checks by your physician or health care provider are as important as getting your blood pressure checked.

Prevention is the key to skin cancer. Individuals must wear a sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of greater than 15 and reapply every 1-2 hours. Some of the recommended sun screens and blocks available today include the Obagi Nu- Derm healthy Skin Protector, TiSilc Sun Block and newer products containing Helioplex. In addition to sun block, protective hats and clothing are effective and growing in popularity. Many surf shirts for children and adults have a SPF of 50. Avoid the use of tanning beds. Instead opt for a spray tan or purchase a self- tanning lotion. Try to avoid the peak hours of sun, between 10AM and 4PM. Instead plan outdoor activities in the morning or evening. The bottom line is to enjoy outdoor activities, but to use some common sense and protect your skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and protecting your skin will help lead to increased health, a more youthful appearance, and an overall better well being.