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SKIN CANCER
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells and strikes more people worldwide than any other form of cancer. In the US alone, more than one million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What causes skin cancer?
Exposure to sunlight is the major contributing factor to developing skin cancer later in life. In particular, blistering sunburns in childhood and adolescence significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Most people receive more than 50 percent of their lifetime ultraviolet (UV) dose by 20 years of age. Limiting exposure to sunlight in children and teens may pay large dividends in preventing cancers later in life.
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What are the different types of skin cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer, including:
| Name |
Decription |
| basal cell carcinoma |
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 75 percent of all skin cancers. This highly treatable cancer starts in the basal cell layer of the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and grows very slowly. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin - mainly those areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, hands, and face. It commonly occurs among persons with light-colored eyes, hair, and complexion. |
| squamous cell carcinoma |
Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for about 20 percent of all skin cancer cases. Although more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, this cancer is highly treatable. Squamous cell carcinoma, may appear as nodules or red, scaly patches of skin, and may be found on the face, ears, lips, and mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body. This type of skin cancer is usually found in fair-skinned people. |
| malignant melanoma |
Although less common, this type of skin cancer is the most deadly, accounting for approximately 79 percent of all skin cancer deaths. Malignant melanoma starts in the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Malignant melanoma usually begins as a mole that then turns cancerous. This cancer may spread quickly. Malignant melanoma most often appears on fair-skinned men and women, but persons with all skin types may be affected. |
How do I distinguish benign moles from melanoma?
To prevent melanoma, examine your skin on a regular basis, and become familiar with moles, and other skin conditions, in order to better identify changes. According to recent research, certain moles are at higher risk for changing into malignant melanoma. Moles that are present at birth, as well as atypical moles, have a greater chance of becoming malignant. Recognizing changes by following this ABCD Chart, is crucial in detecting malignant melanoma at its earliest stage.
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What are the treatments for skin cancer?
Specific treatment for skin cancer will be determined by your dermatologist based on your overall health and medical history, the extent and type of the disease, your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies, and your opinion or preference. Here are the main methods of treatment:
Surgery is a common treatment for skin cancer and is used in about 90 percent of cases. Some types of skin cancer growths can be removed very easily and require only very minor surgery, while others may require a more extensive surgical procedure. Types of procedures may include:
• cryosurgery - Cryosurgery uses an instrument that sprays liquid nitrogen onto the skin, freezing and destroying the tissue.
• curettage and electrodesiccation - This common type of surgery involves scraping away skin tissue with a surgical instrument, followed by cauterizing the wound with an electrosurgical unit.
• excision - A scalpel may be used to remove the growth. The wound is usually stitched or held closed with skin clips.
• Mohs' microscopically controlled surgery - This type of surgery involves removing a lesion, layer by layer. Each piece of skin tissue is examined under a microscope. Tissue is progressively removed until no tumor cells are seen. The goal of this type of surgery is to remove all of the malignant cells and as little normal tissue as possible. It is often used with recurring tumors.
• laser therapy - Laser surgery uses a narrow beam of light to remove cancer cells, and is often used with tumors located on the outer layer of skin.
• Radiation therapy - X-rays are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Other types of treatment include:
• Chemotherapy, using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Topical chemotherapy utilizes a cream or lotion placed on the skin to kill cancer cells.
Systemic chemotherapy is administered orally or intravenously.
• Immunotherapy of melanoma is a complex type of treatment involving various approaches to boost the body's own immune system, helping it to slow the growth of the cancer.
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© 2006 Boulder Dermatology |
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