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 With one out of every five Americans affected, skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers in the U.S. During my 32 years of experience as a board-certified dermatologist, dermasurgeon and cosmetic surgeon, I have diagnosed and treated over 25,000 skin cancers, and I am still seeing an alarming increase of skin cancers in my new patients. In fact, the leading cause of cancer of women in their 20s is skin cancer.
For those of us who have inherited fair-complected skin from our parents, skin cancer can be caused by genetics, making us more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun.
Another cause is sun exposure. Our cold, grey Pittsburgh winters tempt us to capture as much sun exposure whenever we can, and we have all experienced sunburns during sunny vacations. Furthermore, an alarming number of my patients give a history of receiving intense ultraviolet exposure from frequenting tanning beds. Granted, we shouldn’t be prohibited from enjoying sunny climates and outdoor sports, but if avoidance of sun exposure is not possible, then I would strongly encourage the use of preventative measures, such as sunscreen, all year ‘round.
Early detection is crucial for a good outcome and cure. Because of new diagnostic tools, including the dermoscope (a high-power polarizing magnifying device), I am able to diagnose skin cancers sooner and treat earlier for a cure.
Here’s what to look for: Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the first and second most common forms of skin cancers. These cancers typically arise on chronically sun-exposed areas of the body, including the scalp, face, neck, arms, legs and chest. They present on the skin as open sores, red scaly patches, shiny bumps, or pink scars that don’t tend to heal. Although these skin cancers frequently arise on older patients, I am increasingly diagnosing these lesions on younger patients each year. The bottom line is: if you have one of these marks on your skin for three or more weeks, it needs to be examined by a specialist who has broad experience in recognizing these suspicious signs.
Melanomas, or cancerous moles, are the most deadly form of skin cancer. Annually, 46,000 Americans will develop melanoma, and an estimated 7,700 individuals will die from this skin cancer this year. If diagnosis of melanoma is delayed, it may spread to other parts of the body and become fatal. More importantly, the death rate from melanoma is declining because of earlier diagnosis and treatment by board-certified dermatologists.
Monthly self-examination will aid in the recognition of new or changing moles. Melanomas can appear in existing moles or as new moles that look atypical via the “ABCDEs” (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter (greater than a pencil-head eraser), and Evolution) of melanoma detection. In my office, we utilize full-body skin examinations, including dermoscopy to assess any suspicious moles.
Early detection of skin cancer cannot be stressed enough! I encourage annual total-body skin exams and at least semi-annual exams for patients with a history of skin cancer. If detected early, skin cancers can be easily cured by a short surgical procedure in my licensed ambulatory surgery center. And remember to wear your SPF 30 sunblock daily! •
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