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Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70. At least two people die every hour in the U.S. from skin cancer. Still, with preventative measures and early detection, the impact of skin cancer can be minimized and even avoided entirely.
Risk Factors
So you’re aware of the threats that skin cancer presents, but how do you know if you’re at risk? Thankfully, the causes of skin cancer are well known and most are very preventable. Things that put you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer include:
- Indoor tanning
- Sunburns
- Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays
- Atypical moles
- Genetics
- Skin type
- Red hair
- Organ Transplant
Detection
With early detection, the effects of skin cancer can be minimized. Monthly self skin checks from head to toe are an easy activity that help identify potential concerns. Anyone can get skin cancer and those with an increased risk should see a dermatologist once a year for a full-body professional exam. If you see something new, changing, or unusual you should see a dermatologist. Watch for the ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer:
- Asymmetrical– Moles or skin growths with an uneven shape.
- Border – Jagged, irregular borders on moles or skin growths.
- Color – Moles or skin growths with various shades of tan, brown and black.
- Diameter – Moles or skin growths larger than a pencil eraser.
- Evolution – Moles or skin growths that change in size, shape, color, or another trait.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Precancers
Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common skin precancer, affecting over 58 million Americans. They develop from long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation and can develop into squamous cell carcinomas with time. If you’ve already had an actinic keratosis, you’re likely to develop more in the future and are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. With early detection, almost all actinic keratoses can be removed successfully, so it is important to add these to your list of things to look for when you complete your monthly skin checks.
Texture – Actinic keratoses are normally flat to slightly raised bumps that are dry, scaly, crusted and rough. They sometimes have a raised bump or horn shape.
- Size – AKs can vary from tiny spots to an inch in diameter.
- Color – Typically red, pink, tan, brown, skin-colored, silvery or pearled in appearance.
- Location – Usually found on sun-exposed areas of the face, nose, lips, ears, neck, shoulders, forearms and back of the hands.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Do
- Shade - Seek shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Cover - Use clothing, broad-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your skin.
- Sunscreen - Apply an SPF of 30 or higher 30 minutes before going outside every day. If extended outdoor activity, reapply every 2 hours or more often if needed.
Don’t
- Sunburn - Seek shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Tanning - Avoid tanning, especially indoor tanning beds. Tan skin is sun-damaged skin.
- Babies - Babies under 6 months cannot use sunscreen, so keep them out of the sun as much as possible.
Types
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common skin cancers. Around 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. Although basal cell carcinomas are serious and should be treated as soon as possible, most are curable and cause minimal damage if they’re treated early.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common form of skin cancer. In the U. S., an estimated 1.8 million cases are diagnosed each year. Most squamous cell carcinomas can be treated successfully, but they can cause permanent damage to the skin and even become deadly if they’re not caught and treated. Eventually, squamous cell carcinomas can grow into deeper layers of skin and spread to other parts of the body. If you think you might have squamous cell carcinoma, it is important to be seen by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Melanoma
While melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, it is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This is because melanoma is able to spread to other parts of the body, or metastasize, more rapidly. If detected and treated early, melanoma is usually curable.
Rare Types
Other types of skin cancer are more rare and include dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, merkel cell carcinoma and sebaceous carcinoma. For more information on these rare skin cancers, visit skincancer.org.
Treatments
Skin cancer can feel scary, and options for treatment can feel overwhelming. If you think you might have skin cancer or have been recently diagnosed with skin cancer and are seeking treatment, please set up an appointment with one of our providers. We want to make skin cancer treatment as pleasant of an experience as possible for our patients. Our providers and staff are here to answer any questions you may have.
At Southern Illinois Dermatology, we provide a variety of skin cancer and pre-cancer treatment options. Treatment options may include:
- Surgery – Adjacent Tissue Transfer, Excisional or Laser Surgery
- Superficial Radiation Therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Drug Therapy
More Resources
Find more information on skin cancer and skin health at the links below: