Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. Figures vary on its occurrence but it is estimated that approximately 500,000 Americans develop skin cancer every year. Unlike some other skin conditions, skin cancer is not only a cosmetic concern; it can pose a serious threat to health, so swift diagnosis and treatment is essential. That's why so many men and women choose treatment for skin cancer in Worcester, Massachusetts from Dr. Seth Kates and Dr. A. David Simkin.
To learn more about skin care from the team at Worcester Dermatology Associates, request a consultation online or call us at 508-754-3823 in Worcester or 978-256-4151 in Chelmsford.
Causes of Skin Cancer
The principal cause of some of the more frequent types of skin cancer is almost universally accepted by medical experts to be overexposure to sunlight, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Other less important factors would include: repeated medical and industrial X-ray exposure, scarring from disease or burns, occupational exposure to such compounds as coal and arsenic, and family history.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are many types of skin cancer. Among the most prevalent are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This tumor of the skin usually appears as a blemish that won't heal, enlarging red patch, or bump on the skin. The frequency of basal cell carcinomas increases in lighter skinned individuals and with increased sun exposure. Although it is less common, these can occur in darker skinned people.
These tumors don't grow quickly. It may take many months or years for one to reach a diameter of one half inch. Untreated, the cancer will begin to bleed, crust over, and repeat the cycle. Although this type of cancer generally does not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body), it can extend below the skin to the bone and cause considerable local damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
These tumors may appear as nodules or as red, scaly patches. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer found in Caucasians. It typically is found on sun-exposed areas and, unlike basal cell carcinomas, can grow very quickly. It is rarely found on dark-skinned individuals. This cancer frequently will increase in size, developing into a relatively large tumor. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can metastasize.
The cure rate for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma is very high, when properly treated. Early detection greatly improves cure rate, cosmetic results, and risk of metastasis.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma has its beginnings in melanocytes, the skin cells which produce the dark protective pigment called melanin. Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin, which accounts for the cancers appearing in mixed shades of tan, brown and black. Melanoma has a tendency to spread, making it essential to treat. Still, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma is frequently entirely curable in its early stages.
Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning but it may also begin in or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin. For that reason it is important that we know the location and appearance of the moles on our bodies so any change will be noticed.
Increased exposure to the sun, especially when younger, is thought to increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Heredity may play a part especially in individuals where increased numbers of normal moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles run in their family. These act as a marker for the development of a melanoma either within a preexisting mole or on normal skin. This can occur in either sun exposed areas or sun protected areas.
Dark brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. Dark skinned people can develop this cancer, especially on the hands or feet.
The ABCDs of Melanoma
- Asymmetry: one half doesn't match the other half.
- Border irregularity: the edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
- Color: the pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan brown and black are present.
- Diameter: greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). Any growth in size of a mole should be of concern.
Some additional warning signs of melanoma would include: changes in the surface of a mole; scaliness, oozing, bleeding; the appearance of a bump or nodule; spread of pigment from the border into surrounding skin; and change in sensation including itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Prevention
Prevention is a matter of sun protective measures (protective clothing and sunscreens) and self examination (for early detection). If any growth, mole, sore or discoloration appears suddenly or begins to change, please have it checked by your primary care provider or a dermatologist at your earliest convenience.
Treatment
Early detection is the surest way to a cure. It is a simple routine to inspect your body for any skin changes. If any growth, mole, sore or discoloration appears suddenly or begins to change, please have it checked by your primary care provider or a dermatologist at your earliest convenience.
Very rarely, a cancer will grow back. In order to detect this rare event, the treated area should be checked periodically. If you become concerned about the treated area or if other skin growths appear, please be evaluated.
