Skin Cancers to Watch for

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancers account for more than half of all cancers in the United States. It is for this reason that it is so important that you perform a monthly check up on your entire body. When you are conducting a self-examination you should look for growths that look unusual and pay attention to the growth’s ABCDE’s (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolution). You should also closely watch those growths that scab, bled or do not heal after three weeks. With so many skin cancers on the risk, it is important to visit your dermatologist as well for regular checkups. Make sure to point out moles/growths that have changed shape or size to your dermatologist for inspection and if necessary testing.

If your doctor suspects that a lesion could be potentially cancerous, he or she will make a decision about which type of biopsy will be best. The doctor may suggest a Excisional biopsy where the whole spot is cut out and stiches applied, a saucerization where the whole spot is removed but no stiches are required or a punch biopsy which removes the entire lesion altogether if it is small.

Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer but some have an increased chance due to heredity and your general health. The high risk factors for skin cancer are:

• A personal history of skin cancer
• A family history of skin cancer
• Fair skin
• Sun – sensitive skin that burns easily
• Significant recent or past exposure to UV rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sun lamps
• If you experience severe and numerous sunburns
• 50 more or moles
• History of x-ray treatments
• A weakened immune system by disease or medicine

Skin Cancers to be on high alert for:

Melanoma – this form of skin cancer usually has an asymmetric, irregular border, a dark color; and a larger diameter grown on the skin. Melanoma is the less common yet the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a greater likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body and higher mortality rates. When found at the earliest stages these cancers have a 99 percent 5 year survival rate. If found later and the cancer has traveled to other organs the rate drops to 18 percent. Early detection is key.

Basal Cell Carcinoma - usually appears as pink, small translucent pumps with a slight depression in the center which sometimes are mistaken for sores or pimples that won’t heal. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer affecting annually approximately 800,000-900,000 people in the US.

Squamous cell carcinoma- usually appear as pink or red, scaly patch on the skin. It is the second most common skin cancer affecting annually approximately 200,000-300,000 people in the US.

The best advice experts can offer regarding skin cancer is to stay alert and wear sun protection of at least 30 daily all year long.