Skin
Cancer

Skin cancer develops when damaged skin cells cannot repair themselves and begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Skin cancer generally develops in the outermost layer of skin, usually allowing detection in its early stages.

Skin cancer most frequently results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which harms the DNA with repeated exposure. In addition to repeated exposure to UV light outdoors, you are at increased risk of skin cancer if you:

• Frequently use tanning beds
• Regularly smoke cigarettes
• Have a suppressed immune system, such as if you suffer from leukemia or are an organ transplant recipient, because your immune system cannot ward off cancerous cells as effectively as healthy individuals.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – the most common form of skin cancer usually appears on sun-exposed areas (face, ears, scalp, upper trunk) and may look like a blemish that won’t heal or a shiny, pearly bump that does not go away. It may bleed if minor trauma occurs to that area. Alternatively, basal cell carcinoma my look like a rough, reddened patch. BCCs tends to grow slowly and rarely metastasizes.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – the second most common type usually occurring in sun exposed areas but can develop anywhere on the body. They may arise from pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses which are dry, scaly lesions. Typically they look like a red, crusted bump or rough scaly patch.

Melanoma – the most lethal form of skin cancer because it can spread to the lymph system and internal organs. If often develops in an existing mole or a new mole. Typically they are brown to black lesions that have uneven borders, colors or surfaces. When they appear on sun-damaged skin such as the face, melanomas may look like a brown patch or unevenly colored freckle. Self skin checks are so important to detect changes in existing moles and to spot new ones.

There is a wide range of skin cancer treatments available. Your provider will discuss the appropriate treatment based on several factors including but not limited to:

• The type of skin cancer
• The location of skin cancer on your body
• If it is an aggressive form and if it is deep and/or has spread to surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body
• Your physical health

• Skin cancer is more likely in those with fair skin, light colored eyes, blonde or red hair and those who tend to freckle or sunburn. However, anyone of any skin color can develop skin cancer.
• A family history of skin cancer increases your risk.

• Wear a sunblock of at least SPF 30 year-round to sun-exposed skin. Make sure your sunblock protects against both UVA and UVB light, the most harmful rays of the sun.
• Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, UV protective shirt and sunglasses; seek shade and avoid the sun during “peak hours” of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Reapply your sunblock every 2 hours when outdoors and more frequently if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
• Self-check and familiarize yourself with your skin with monthly self-skin exams. Be aware of changes in the size, shape and color or your moles and let your dermatologist know of any lesions that are tender, bleeding, itching or not healing after 2-3 weeks.
• Do no use UV tanning beds. Self tanning lotions are a safer way to get a tanned look.