Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common than melanoma and is less life threatening. However, when left untreated or detected late, non-melanoma skin cancer can be fatal. There are several types of non-melanoma skin cancer, but two are most common: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Over 90% of skin cancer cases are caused by UV ray exposure through natural sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds. Excessive, unprotected exposure to UV rays greatly increases our risk for developing skin cancer.Everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer, regardless of our ethnicity and complexion tone. However, certain characteristics make some more at risk:
- people with freckles
- those with fair skin tones
- those who burn easily
- people with naturally red or blonde hair
- people who spend a lot of time outdoors
- people who have a personal/family history of skin cancer or melanoma
Skin Cancer Symptoms
- a small lump, spot or bump that is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture
- a red lump, spot, or bump that is firm
- a sore or spot that bleeds, becomes crusty, or doesn't heal
- rough and scaly patches on the skin
- flat scaly areas of the skin that are red or brown
- any new growth that is suspicious
See pictures of basal cell carcinoma and pictures of squamous cell carcinoma for detailed examples.
Note: These skin cancer symptoms did not include the symptoms of melanoma, a highly dangerous type of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosing skin cancer first begins with the discovery of a suspicious bump, sore, or spot on the skin. They can be detected at home through self skin exams or through a clinical skin exam done by a doctor. A clinical skin exam should be part of your physical, or if you are at higher risk of skin cancer, done more often and also by a dermatologist.If skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy must be done to confirm the presence or absence of cancer. A skin biopsy can be done in several ways, and most of them can be done in-office with a local anesthetic, depending on size and location.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer treatment depends on what type of skin cancer, how large the lesion is, and if has spread. Surgery is a common treatment method for skin cancer and there are several surgical methods:- Simple Excision: Surgery to remove the lesion and a small amount of healthy tissue surrounding it. This type of surgery is usually reserved for larger lesions. This is also a way of doing a biopsy called an excisional biopsy.
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Electrodessication and Curettage: This type of skin cancer surgery involves the use of an electrocautery tool that destroys cancerous tissue. First, the tumor is removed with a spoon shaped instrument called a curette, and then the cauterizing device is used to destroy remaining cancer cells.
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Mohs Surgery: This is unique surgery and must be done by a surgeon is who specially trained. Cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer. As each layer is removed, it is then checked for evidence of cancer. More layers are removed until no more cancer is evident. Mohs surgery is usually performed on skin cancer found on the face or for large or recurrent skin cancer.
- Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery is not what we normally think of when we think of surgery because it does not involve cutting the skin. This type of treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze tissue, eliminating cancer cells. It is used only in a limited number of cases.
Radiation therapy is another way of treating skin cancer, although its use it not as common as it once was in the past. This is an option for those aren't good candidates for surgery, who have inoperable tumors, or tumor locations that make surgery difficult.
Chemotherapy is an option for some to treat advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma. It may also be used to prevent skin cancer in some individuals.
Topical treatments, like Aldara (imiquimod), are available to treat some cases of basal cell carcinoma. This topical cream successfully treats precancerous skin cancer conditions, as well.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer may be the most common type of cancer, but it is also the most preventable types as well. The first step in preventing skin cancer is to avoid UV ray exposure. We can do this by:Wearing Sunscreen. You have heard it a million times, but sunscreen really is one of your best bets in preventing skin cancer, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Experts recommend choosing a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 or higher.
- Common Sunscreen Mistakes
- How to Apply Sunscreen
- How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for You Skin
- Do You Need Sunscreen for Your Lips?
Avoiding Mid-Day Sun. Avoid going outdoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are brightest, causing the most damage to skin. If you have to go outdoors, be sure to lather on sunscreen.
Wearing Protective Clothing. Wearing hats and clothing that covers the skin are excellent ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Eyes are also susceptible to sun damage, so be sure to wear sunglasses that are have UV protection.
Staying Shady. Staying in the shade not only will keep you cooler, it will reduce your risk of UV exposure. Though you are in the shade, you will still need to wear sunscreen.
Avoiding Tanning Beds/Booths. Artificial UV exposure is not any safer than natural exposure. Some studies even suggest that tanning beds and booths increase your risk of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Sources:
"Skin Cancer Symptoms". What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer. National Cancer Institute. 01 Aug 2005. Accessed 21 June 2008.
"Skin Cancer Prevention". What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer. National Cancer Institute. 01 Aug 2005. Accessed 25 June 2008.
