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Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.

Skin cancer is the growth of abnormal cells capable of invading and destroying other associated skin cells. The cells of a cancerous growth originate from a single cell that reproduces uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumor. The skin then appears to change in texture or color and a sore or nodule may develop on the affected skin. These skin changes can usually be seen with the naked eye, and 90% can be cured if treated early.

Exposure to sunlight is documented as the main cause of almost all non-melanoma skin cancers. High-risk professions for skin cancer include farmers, other sun-exposed outdoor workers, and vehicle drivers (their sun-exposed arm).

There are three (3) common types of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, the most common cancer, accounts for over 75% of all skin cancers. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those who are fair–skinned. It is more common in occupations with prolonged sun exposure and in those who have a history of tanning bed usage. Basal cell carcinoma develops slowly and usually appears as small skin lesions that persist for weeks to months, slowly getting larger. This form of skin cancer looks flat, red and waxy, with the edges of the lesion translucent and rounded. The edges also contain small fresh blood vessels. An ulcer in the center of the lesion may give it a dimpled appearance. Basal cell carcinoma lesions vary in size, but can slowly grow larger if untreated. Basal cell cancers are commonly misdiagnosed as eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea or even as insect bites.

Basal cell carcinoma has a very small likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma also results from too much sun exposure. While it may occur anywhere on the body it is most common in the sun exposed areas, similar to basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma presents itself as a small, scaling, raised bump on the skin with a crusting ulcer in the center, commonly with pain and/or itching. In addition, pipe and cigar smoking can cause this type of cancer on the lips and tongue.

Squamous cell carcinoma may spread to lymph nodes or other tissues in advanced cases, especially when it begins on the lips.

Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have excellent cure rates when treated promptly, commonly with MOHS micrographic surgery when occurring on the head and neck areas, hands and feet, genitals and when recurrent from previous treatment.

Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is a dark-pigmented, malignant tumor arising from a skin cell capable of making the pigment melanin (a melanocyte). Melanoma may develop from an existing benign mole, or it may grow from normal appearing skin. Melanoma is not as common as the other two types of skin cancer, but it is more serious and its treatment is different.

How does it occur?

The most common and easily preventable cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (sunlight or tanning beds). Genetic factors also play a part in the tendency to develop skin cancers, including malignant melanoma.

What are the symptoms?

Many skin cancers occur on the face, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Symptoms of skin cancer may include:

  • sores or changes in the skin that do not heal
  • a craterlike lesion (ulcer) on the skin that may not hurt
  • change in color, size, shape, or thickness of a mole
  • bleeding
  • itching
  • pain

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider diagnoses skin cancer by:

  • looking at your skin
  • asking about your symptoms and medical history and if the affected area of skin has changed in any way
  • performing a small biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue for microscopic analysis) or an excisional biopsy (removing the entire growth) for analysis if suspicious areas are present

How is it treated?

The treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma is removal of the growth using one of more of the following procedures. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer and its size and location on the skin.

  • shaving off the growth flat with the skin surface and cauterizing the base of the wound
  • cutting out the affected area and closing the wound with sutures
  • MOHS micrographic surgery (a method of removing and analyzing layers of the growth and surrounding skin removing only the affected tissue)
  • freezing the affected area using liquid nitrogren
  • using topical medications to kill the cancerous cells

Skin cancer that is untreated or partially treated may result in the spread of the cancerous lesion. If you have previously had skin cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer in the future. Also, skin cancers may reoccur in the same location. Your health care provider will want to examine you at regular intervals if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past. Also, see your provider if you discover any new changes on your skin.

How long will the effects last?

The effects will last as long as the cancer cells exist and grow. Unless they are removed, the cancer cells can spread to lymph nodes and internal organs. See your health care provider at the first sign of any suspicious changes to your skin.

How can I help prevent skin cancer?

Avoid being exposed to excessive sunlight. Wear clothing and hats that cover you, and avoid midday sun whenever possible. Use sunscreen lotions to protect against UV light when you must be outdoors. Use an SPF of 15 or above with UVA and UVB full spectrum coverage. Also remember that UV rays from the sun can penetrate clouds and cause sunburn or damage even on cloudy days.

  • If you are at high risk because of previous or ongoing sun exposure, see your health care provider for a baseline skin exam.
  • If you have a history of sun-related skin changes, such as actinic (solar) keratoses, see your health care provider on a regular schedule.

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