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What
Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells
are found in the outer layers of your skin. There are several
types of cancer that originate in the skin. The most common
types are basal cell carcinoma (70 percent of all skin cancers)
and squamous cell carcinoma (20 percent). These types are
classified as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma (five percent
of all skin cancers) is the third type of skin cancer. It
is less common than basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer,
but potentially much more serious. Other types of skin cancer
are rare.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.
It typically appears as a small raised bump that has a pearly
appearance. It is most commonly seen on areas of the skin
that have received excessive sun exposure. These cancers
may spread to the skin around the cancer but rarely spread
to other parts of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also seen on the areas of the
body that have been exposed to excessive sun (nose, lower
lip, hands, and forehead). Often this cancer appears as
a firm red bump or ulceration of the skin that does not
heal. Squamous cell carcinomas can spread to lymph nodes
in the area.
Melanoma is a skin cancer (malignancy) that arises from
the melanocytes in the skin. These cancers typically arise
as pigmented (colored) lesions in the skin with an irregular
shape, irregular border, and multiple colors. It is the
most harmful of all the skin cancers, because it can spread
to other sites in the body. Fortunately, most melanomas
have a very high cure rate when identified and treated early.
Who Gets Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a disease that has shown a steady increase
over the past 20 years. Fortunately, with early diagnosis
and treatment, it remains a very curable disease. A variety
of factors have been identified that place a person at a
higher risk to develop skin cancer (see “Am I at risk?”).
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
The vast majority of skin cancers can be cured if diagnosed
and treated early. Aside from protecting your skin from
sun damage, it is important to recognize the early signs
of skin cancer.
• Skin sores that do not heal,
• Bumps or nodules in the skin that are enlarging, and
• Changes in existing moles (size, texture, color).
If you notice any of the factors listed above see your doctor
right away. If you have a spot or lump on your skin, your
doctor may remove the growth and examine the tissue under
the microscope. This is called a biopsy. A biopsy can usually
be done in the doctor's office and usually involves numbing
the skin with a local anesthetic. Examination of the biopsy
under the microscope will tell the doctor if the skin lesion
is a cancer (malignancy).
How Is Skin Cancer Treated?
There are varieties of treatments available, including surgery,
radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, to treat skin cancer.
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and size of
cancer, your age, and your overall health.
Surgery is the most common form of treatment. It generally
consists of an office or outpatient procedure to remove
the lesion and check edges to make sure all the cancer was
removed. In many cases, the site is then repaired with simple
stitches. In larger skin cancers, your doctor may take some
skin from another body site to cover the wound and promote
healing.
This is termed skin grafting. In more advanced cases of
skin cancer, radiation therapy or chemotherapy (drugs that
kill cancer cells) may be used with surgery to improve cure
rates.
Am I At Risk For Skin Cancer?
People with any of the factors listed below have a higher
risk of developing skin cancer and should be particularly
careful about sun exposure.
• long-term sun exposure
• fair skin (typically blonde or red hair with freckles)
• place of residence (increased risk in Southern climates)
• presence of moles, particularly if there are irregular
edges, uneven coloring, or an increase in the size of the
mole
• family history of skin cancer
• use of indoor tanning devices
• severe sunburns as a child
• nonhealing ulcers or nodules in the skin .
Early identification of skin cancer can save your life.
How Can I Lower My Risk Of Skin Cancer?
The single most important thing you can do to lower your
risk of skin cancer is to avoid direct sun exposure.
Sunlight produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can directly
damage the cells (DNA) of our skin. People who work outdoors
(farming, construction, boating, outdoor sports) are at
the highest risk of developing a skin cancer. The sun's
rays are the most powerful between 10 am and 2 pm, so you
must be particularly careful during those hours. If you
must be out during the day, wear clothing that covers as
much of your skin as possible, including a wide-brimmed
hat to block the sun from your face, scalp, neck, and ears.
In addition to protective clothing, the use of a sunscreen
can reflect light away from the skin and provide protection
against UV radiation.
When selecting a sunscreen, choose one with a Sun Protection
Factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Sunscreen products do not completely
block the damaging rays, but they do allow you to be in
the sun longer without getting sunburn. In addition to being
sun-smart, it is critical to recognize early signs of trouble
on your skin. The best time to do self-examination is after
a shower in front of a full-length mirror. Note any moles,
birthmarks, and blemishes. Be on the alert for sores that
do not heal or new nodules on the skin. Any mole that changes
in size, color, or texture should be carefully examined.
If you notice anything new or unusual, see your physician
right away. Catching skin cancer early can save your life.
Ultraviolet Index: What You Need to Know
The new Ultraviolet (UV) Index provides important information
to help you plan your outdoor activities and avoid overexposure
to the damaging rays of the sun. Developed by the National
Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency
, the UV Index is issued daily as a national service.
http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/
topics/skin_cancer.cfm
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