Approximately one in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer over the course of their lifetime. Skin cancers most commonly occur on areas frequently exposed to the sun, but they can also occur on sun protected areas. With early detection, most skin cancers are treatable.
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the least serious and most common of the three types of cancer. They are rarely life threatening, but they can be extremely disfiguring if left untreated.
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) tend to be more locally destructive, but in rare cases they may spread internally and can be life threatening if ignored. Treatment options depend on the type and extent of the skin cancer.
Melanoma is the scary type of skin cancer that can, if left untreated, spread to internal organs and be deadly. However, if caught early, melanoma is usually treatable with surgical excision. Melanoma is the most common cancer of people 25-29 years old. Ultraviolet radiation is a major contributor to developing melanoma. Genetics can play a role as well.
Signs of possible skin cancer include: painful or itchy lesions, non- healing lesions, lesions that bleed easily or are growing or changing color. While regular check-ups with your physician are important, you should also perform self-checks regularly for melanoma.
Just remember… A-B-C-D-E!
- Asymmetry: If both sides of a lesion don’t match, then it needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
- Border: Poorly defined or irregular borders may be a worrisome sign.
- Color: Multiple colors in a single lesion, such as differing shades of brown, black, tan, or red can be concerning.
- Diameter: Often melanomas are larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), but they may often be smaller if detected early.
- Evolving: Rapid or significant changes in shape, size, color, or elevation, or a new symptom, such as itching, crusting or bleeding, is cause for concern. If any lesion is evolving, you should consult your dermatologist.
If you have a lesion that you are concerned about, please call our office to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
Sunscreen
It has been proven that ultraviolet light, whether from natural exposure or tanning beds, plays a role in developing most skin cancers and contributes to aging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In order to help prevent the development of skin cancer and keep your youthful glow, sun protective measures must be taken. We recommend wearing a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or greater on sun exposed areas daily. Everyone has significant exposure even walking in and out of buildings as well as while driving. For long periods in the sun, it is important to reapply throughout the day and to try to stay in a covered shady area if possible. Avoidance of tanning beds is advised to prevent premature aging and skin cancers. A variety of sun protective clothing is readily available and now a fashionable option.