Know the Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer - Know the signs of skin cancer

Skin cancer is determined in large part by our genetic background plus our total sun exposure over a lifetime. The incidence of skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions in recent years. It is estimated there will be upwards of 1 million new cases of skin cancer in 2005 and the rate of melanoma is doubling every 10 years. Sun exposure with a blistering sunburn in childhood has been cited as an important cause of Melanoma.

The Sun's Pre-Cancerous Effects

The sun is also the cause of Actinic (Solar) Keratosis. These adherent, scaly lesions occur on habitually sun exposed skin, and are precancerous with potential to develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Treatment is with Cryosurgery or with topically applied 5-fluorouracil cream. The later avoids depigmentation that sometimes occurs following Liquid Nitrogen treatment. Other new topical agents for Actinic Keratosis treatment are: Carac, Soloraze gel and photodynamic therapy (Levulan Kerastick).

There are three major types of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma: Is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 80 percent of all skin cancer. If caught early, the cure rate is better than 95 percent. It looks like a pearly nodule, sometimes with an area that won't heal caused by chronic sun exposure throughout life. It is treated by freezing or surgery.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Numbering 200,000 cases in 1998, this is the second-most common form of the disease, representing 16 percent of all skin cancers. This disease is 95 percent curable if caught early. But, squamous cell carcinoma can spread - and is potentially lethal - if left untreated. It looks like a crusty, scaly patch with a hard, callused surfaced caused by chronic sun exposure. It is treated by freezing or surgery.

Melanoma: Though it is the least common form of the disease, it's the most deadly. The odds of getting melanoma are increased if you have a family history of the disease. It looks like a pigmented mole usually, sometimes with an uneven border. The color and diameter may change over time. People who get melanoma have had several blistering sunburns in their youth or adolescence, or have a family history of the disease. It is treated with the removal of the tumor (excision). The amount of tissue that needs to be cut out depends on the tumor's thickness, so early detection means less invasive surgery. If the cancer has spread, the patient may need chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments.

Prevention and Early Detection

Use a sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher.
Wear a hat.
Cover up.
Even waterproof sunscreens should be reapplied every 2 hours for maximum protection.
Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 2 pm.
Be aware of any changes in moles - increase in size, bleeding or a sore that won't heal.

ABCD's of Melanoma

Asymmetry: one half is unlike the other. Border irregular: spot's border are scalloped or poorly defined. Color varied: a spot is colored differently from one side to the other. Diameter larger: a spot is larger than a pencil eraser.

The Sun's Aging Effects

Even normal, everyday sun exposure can cause line and wrinkles making us look years older than we really are. Topical skin products:

Tretinoin: Topical tretinoin creams and lotions work best on very fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids: These work by peeling off the top layers of skin to speed the skin's rejuvenation.

Chemical Peels: Dermatologist use to treat fine lines, superficial wrinkles, age spots and freckles. With a superficial peel, the patient may need monthly treatments for up to six to eight months to obtain the desired results.

The Arkansas Dermatology Clinic can help correct your skin problems. We do evaluations for skin cancers and suspicious moles. We also do superficial chemical peels for sun damage, wrinkles and age spots.

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