Early Detection is Key

The key to successful treatment of skin cancer is early detection. Everyone should have a complete skin exam at least once a year by a board certified dermatologist, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Those who have a history of skin cancer should be examined more frequently – every 3 to 6 months depending upon one’s individual history. Periodic self examination is also is also recommended. Get familiar with your own pattern of moles, freckles and “beauty” marks so that you can spot changes if they do occur.

There are 3 common types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Malignant Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule – most often on the head, neck and hands. Occasionally, these cancers may appear on the trunk as red patches. Basal cell carcinomas rarely occur in dark-skinned people. Rather, they are most commonly found in fair-skinned people with light-colored hair and eyes, and those who do not tan easily. These tumors grow very slowly and are usually confined to the skin; they are not likely to spread to other organs of the body. Untreated, the cancer will begin to bleed, crust over, and then the cycle repeats. Basal cell carcinoma, when found early and treated properly, has a cure rate by dermatologic surgery of 95%.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This skin cancer is the second most common skin cancer found in fair-skinned people and is rarely found in dark skinned people. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a bump, or as a red, scaly patch. It is typically found on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips and mouth although it may be on any part of the body. This cancer develops into large masses and can metastasize (spread), unlike basal cell carcinoma which stay fairly confined. When found early and treated properly, the cure rate by dermatologic surgery for squamous cell carcinoma is 95%.

Malignant Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Once the cancer advances and metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body, it is hard to treat and can be deadly. However, if diagnosed early and removed while it is still thin and limited to the outermost skin layer, it is almost 100% curable.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates in melanocytes, the cells which produce the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes and is heavily concentrated in most moles. The majority of melanomas, therefore, are black or brown. However, melanomas occasionally stop producing pigment. When that happens, the melanomas may no longer be dark, but are skin-colored, pink, red, or purple.

Melanoma may suddenly appear with out warning, but may also begin in or near a mole, or another dark spot on the skin. It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on your body so that you will be aware of any change and seek medical attention immediately. Suspicious signs of melanoma can be summarized by the A,B,C,D’s.

Asymmetry – one half does not match the other; moles that are not perfectly round
Border Irregularity – the edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
Color – the pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance.
Diameter – the width is greater than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser.) Any growth of a mole should be a concern.