Other kinds of cancer that may affect the skin include: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Cancers that start in other parts of the body may also spread (metastasize) to the skin.

What You Need to Know

There are many different kinds of skin cancers, with each type being distinguished by the types of skin cells that are primarily affected. The three most common forms of skin cancer are:

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)

The most common skin cancer and the most frequent cancer in humans, BCC affects more than 1 million people each year in the United States. BCC develops in the basal cells that make up the deepest layer of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. BCC may appear as a shiny, translucent or pearly bump; a sore that does not heal; a pink, slightly elevated growth; a reddish irritated patch of skin; or a waxy scar-like lesion. It is most commonly found on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, scalp, chest and back. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent damage to surrounding tissue.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)

This cancer begins in the squamous cells, which also are found in the upper layer of the skin. More than 200,000 cases are reported each year in the United States. SCC may appear as a crusted or scaly area of skin with a red, inflamed base that resembles a growing bump, a non-healing ulcer or a crusted patch of skin. While it usually appears on areas of the body that frequently are exposed to the sun, SCC can develop anywhere, including areas that never typically receive sunlight. SCC requires early treatment to prevent it from causing damage to surrounding body features and from spreading to other areas of the body.

MELANOMA

This cancer begins in the melanocytes, the cells that provide the skin’s color. Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly inside the body. Approximately one American dies from melanoma every hour. With early detection and proper treatment, most melanomas are easily cured with minor surgical procedures. Once melanoma leaves the skin and spreads inside the body, the cure rates drop dramatically.

MOLES

Moles, or nevi, are growths on the skin that develop when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. A common mole is usually smaller than about 5 millimeters (about 1/4 inch, the width of a pencil eraser). It is round or oval, has a smooth surface with a distinct edge, and is uniform in color. Although common moles are not cancerous, people who have more than 50 common moles have an increased chance of developing melanoma. You should make an appointment if you notice any of the following changes in a common mole:

• The color changes
• The mole gets unevenly smaller or bigger
• The mole changes in shape, texture or height
• The skin on the surface becomes dry or scaly
• The mole becomes hard or feels lumpy
• It starts to itch
• It bleeds or oozes

Regular skin cancer screenings are very important as melanoma can also develop from moles.

FULL BODY SKIN CANCER SCREENING

From age 50 on, a skin cancer screening is recommended every year. The screening begins with a history of your time spent in the sun, while the actual physical screening process begins with an examination of the head and then progresses through the entire body. The patient is gowned during the process.

Your doctor will explain what type of abnormalities they are looking for. Examples include: squamous cell cancer, basal cell cancer, and melanoma. We will also explain what you should look for during subsequent self-exams.

POTENTIAL SKIN CANCER TREATMENTS

Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage of growth and other factors. The most common types of treatment include tissue-sparing Mohs micrographic surgery, traditional surgical excision, and cryosurgery destroy any remaining cells. Cryosurgery is typically followed by curettage, which uses a special scraping instrument to remove the lesion followed by electrocautery to destroy any remaining cells

Electrodesiccation

Electrodesiccation involves using heat to remove specific skin lesions, including sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, and small cherry angiomas. Treated areas develop a small scab that typically resolves in 1-3 weeks, depending on skin type and how aggressive the treatment was. Lesions that are larger and have been present on the skin longer may require more than one treatment.

Common Myths About Skin Cancer

• Myth: Children need a strong dose of natural sunlight to maintain good health.
• Fact: It is true that a small amount of sunlight has health benefits. Sunlight, for instance, helps make vitamin D in the skin. However, only a few minutes of sunlight a day are necessary for adequate formation of vitamin D. Besides, most scientists agree that alternate sources of vitamin D in fortified foods, such as dairy products, are just as effective.
• Myth: Skin cancer develops as part of the aging process, and you either get it or you don’t.
• Fact: The older you get, the more likely you are to get skin cancer. But evidence suggests that events occurring in childhood have a major influence on the development of skin cancer in adults. More and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for skin cancers and, occasionally, a teenager is affected.
• Myth: In order for sunlight to cause skin cancer, you must get a sunburn.
• Fact: People who sunburn are more likely to get skin cancer than those who do not, but sunlight damages the skin whether a sunburn occurs or not.
• Myth: Sun damage is only temporary. The skin quickly repairs itself. By “resting” the skin between sun exposures, the damage is erased.
• Fact: The skin can repair some of the superficial damage. That’s why a sunburn lasts only a few days. But the underlying damage remains. Over the years, with each successive exposure to the sun, the damage accumulates. The results may not be apparent for 20 to 30 years.
• Myth: A tanned child is a healthy child.
• Fact: Most people like the look of a suntan. Appearances, however, can be deceiving. A tan is really a sign of injury to the skin. In an effort to protect itself from further damage, the skin cells produce a pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin. By the time the tan develops, permanent damage that will someday show up in the form of wrinkles, blotches, sagging tissue, and even skin cancer has already been done. So the term “healthy tan” is a contradiction in terms.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Products to avoid:

Retinol products and prescription retinoids, such as Retin-A (Tretinoin®), Renova®, Differin®, or Tazorac® 1 week prior.