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What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the number one form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1 million cases occur annually. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers -- more than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined.
While one in five Americans will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime, most, but not all, forms of skin cancer are highly curable with rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about:
Types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common non-melanoma types of skin cancers. Melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, are responsible for the deaths of 20 Americans each day. Here is some more information about these and other forms of skin cancer.
| Actinic keratosis (ak-TIH-nik KAYR-uh-TOH-sis) |
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Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that is not cancer, but sometimes changes into squamous cell carcinoma. It usually occurs in areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, the back of the hands, and the lower lip. It appears as rough, red, pink, or brown, raised, scaly patches on the skin, or cracking or peeling of the lower lip that is not helped by lip balm or petroleum jelly. |
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| Basal cell carcinoma (BAY-sul SEL KAR-sih-NOH-muh) |
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Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, small round cells found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, most often the nose. Often this cancer appears as a small raised bump that has a smooth, pearly appearance. Another type looks like a scar and is flat and firm to the touch. Basal cell carcinoma may spread to tissues around the cancer, but it usually does not spread to other parts of the body. |
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| Melanoma (MEH-luh-NOH-muh) |
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Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines. |
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| Squamous cell carcinoma (SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh) |
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Squamous cell carcinoma, also called epidermoid carcinoma, begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, such as the ears, lower lip, and the back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinoma may also appear on areas of the skin that have been burned or exposed to chemicals or radiation. Often this cancer appears as a firm red bump. Sometimes the tumor may feel scaly or bleed or develop a crust. Squamous cell tumors may spread to nearby lymph nodes. |
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Risk factors
There are many risk factors that may increase the likelihood that a person will develop a skin cancer:
- fair complexion
- growing older
- using tobacco
- exposure to sunlight and tanning beds
- blistering sunburns as a child
- alcohol use
- radiation, certain chemicals and hormones
- some viruses and bacteria
- family history of skin cancer
- overall poor health
- organ transplantation with immunosuppressant drugs
Over time, risk factors may act together to cause normal cells to become cancerous but having one or more of the risk factors does not mean that you will develop skin cancer. The majority of people do not.
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Detection
Early detection
Skin cancer has a 95 percent cure rate when detected early and the key to early detection is patient awareness. Get to know your skin, what it looks like and be aware of changes. Examining your skin is quite simple. Stand in front of a full length mirror and use a handheld mirror to see places you can’t in the full length. It is important to examine your entire body -- back, scalp, underarms, genitalia, palms, soles and other areas such as between your toes and fingers. Skin cancer can and does appear anywhere, on anyone and at any age, with or without key occurrence factors, such as skin color, heritage or occupation. Become familiar with your birth marks, moles or blemishes or any differences in skin color that have been your companion for some time and or previously seen by a physician.
Signs and symptoms
Changes in these areas may include a sore or lesion that never fully heals, any translucent growth, black or brown marks under a nail, cluster of lesions of any type or color, a waxy feeling scar that has grown, or any raised, flat or depressed lesion that feels hard or obvious to touch. Pay special attention to any changes in moles or birth marks that have recently changed size, shape or color.
When to seek medical advice
Don’t wait for a skin lesion to begin hurting before you contact your physician. Skin cancers rarely cause pain. If you notice a new mole (when you are in your late 30’s or older), a change in color, rapid change in size or shape, contact your physician.
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Screening and diagnosis
There are several procedures used to screen and detect skin cancer.
- Skin examination: A doctor or nurse checks the skin for bumps or spots that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture.
- Biopsy: All or part of the abnormal-looking growth is cut from the skin and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to see if cancer cells are present. There are three main types of skin biopsies:
- Shave biopsy: A sterile razor blade is used to “shave-off” the abnormal-looking growth.
- Punch biopsy: A hollow, circular scalpel is used to cut into a lesion on the skin. The instrument is turned clockwise and counterclockwise to cut down about four millimeters (mm) to the layer of fatty tissue below the dermis. A small sample of tissue is removed to be checked under a microscope. Skin thickness is different on different parts of the body.
- Excisional biopsy: A scalpel is used to remove the entire growth.
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Prevention
Skin care basics
Get to know your spots. Check your moles, freckles, blemishes and any other marks that you may have on your skin monthly and have a yearly skin exam.
Preventing and treating sunburn
The best way to treat sunburn is to avoid it all together -- don’t burn. Seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and try to use one that blocks both UV and UVA rays. Apply sunscreen to the entire body prior to exposure and be sure to reapply after two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Don’t forget your lips, ears, around the eyes, neck, and scalp if hair is thinning. Cover up with clothing, hats with wide brims, and UV blocking sunglasses.
Tanning
Tanning should be avoided. Tanning and sunburns can lead to DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer and photo aging. There is no such thing as a safe tan but there are safe alternatives, like self tanners.
Sun-protective clothing
Clothing can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but not all clothing is equally protective. Clothes made from tightly woven fabrics in darker colors offer the most protection. As a rule if you hold a garment up to the light and you can see the light through the garment then UV rays can penetrate it and your skin. For more protection try using clothes that are made with chemical UV absorbers that can block some of the harmful UV and UVA rays. A laundry additive know as Sun Guard may also be used with a detergent to increase protection. Remember once most fabrics get wet they loose 50% of their ultra violet protection.
Protecting children
Many times skin cancer develops from sun exposure as a child. To protect them in the future, cover them up now.
Babies under six months old should be kept out of the sun. Their skin is too sensitive and will burn easily. Cover a baby’s skin with clothing, use a stroller with a canopy, and keep babies in the shade. Sunscreen may be used on babies over six months.
Children and teens should be taught to use sunscreen. Avoid blistering sunburns as a child, it can double the risk of skin cancer. Encourage teens to avoid tanning and try self tanners instead.
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