Before the summer sun comes, check your skin for signs of cancer

5/20/08 Posted in Cover Story  |  0 Comments

by Dr. Marcy Street

There are three types of skin cancer you need to watch for. Know how to protect yourself before it is too late.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the cells that give color to the skin (melanocytes). It is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood. Melanoma is the leading cause of all skin cancer-related deaths.

Although no one really knows exactly what causes melanoma, one main risk factor is exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. While melanoma can occur in people who are darkly pigmented, such as African Americans, those with fair skin who tend to sunburn easily are at a greater risk. Severe and repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, can also increase your risk. Melanoma can also run in the family so it is very important to know your family history. 

Melanoma is usually diagnosed as a result of a routine check-up or from a patient bringing a suspicious mole to a doctor’s attention. It usually shows up as a dark brown or black mole-like lesion with irregular borders. Sometimes the growth may turn red, blue or white. It is important to keep a close eye on your moles and to utilize the ABCD (asymmetry, border, color and diameter) rule when checking moles during a self exam. The doctor may want to biopsy the mole to send it to a laboratory for further testing. In the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with melanoma, it will be necessary to remove the cancerous mole and some of the surrounding tissues.

The key to success in treating a melanoma is early detection. If a melanoma is diagnosed and treated early, there is a good chance it is localized and did not spread to any other parts of the body. 

Although melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is not the most common. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and appears as small, shiny, pearly or fleshy growths which may eventually form an open sore and bleed. This form of cancer usually does not invade any surrounding skin or distant organs.

Squamous cell carcinoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma. It often appears as a scaly, red growth usually on sun exposed skin or other chronically irritated areas such as the lips of smokers or at previous burn sites. This form of cancer can occasionally break off and spread to other areas of the body.

If you are diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, the most effective removal technique is called Mohs micrographic surgery.  Mohs surgery is a state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer which relies on the precision and accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer down to its roots. 

Although these two types of skin cancer do not usually spread to other parts of the body it is still very important to have them diagnosed and treated. Again, early detection and treatment is the key to success. A commitment to doing regular self exams at home, coupled with check-ups with your dermatologist, will ensure that skin cancer does not get the best of you.