Skin Cancer the terrible disease

What causes this terrible condition?  Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the U.S. and the number of cases continues to rise. It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This rapid growth results in tumors, which are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types and make up 95% of all skin cancers.Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tanning beds is just as harmful. Exposure to sunlight during the winter months puts you at the same risk as exposure during the summertime.  

Who is at risk for skin cancer? 

Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair or freckled skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair. Darker skinned individuals are also susceptible to all types of skin cancer, although their risk is substantially lower.Aside from complexion, other risk factors include having a family history or personal history of skin cancer, having an outdoor job and living in a sunny climate. A history of severe sunburns and an abundance of large and irregularly-shaped moles are risk factors unique to melanoma.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, typically a new mole or skin lesion or a change in an existing mole.

• Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump on the face ears and neck; or as a flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion on the trunk or arms and legs.
• Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly flat lesion that may itch, bleed and become crusty. Both basal cell and squamous cell cancers mainly occur on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, but can occur anywhere.
• Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may resemble a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular appearance.

When looking for melanoma, think of the ABCD rule that tells you the signs to watch for:

• Asymmetry—the shape of one half doesn't match the other
• Border—edges are ragged or blurred
• Color—uneven shades of brown, black, tan, red, white or blue




How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment of skin cancer is individualized and is determined by the type of skin cancer, its size and location and the patient's preference.

Standard treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas) include:

• Mohs surgery (for high-risk non-melanoma skin cancers)—excision of cancer and some extra tissue
• Electrodesiccation and curettage—physically scraping away the skin cancer cells followed by electrosurgery
• Cryosurgery or freezing
• Laser therapy
• Drugs (chemotherapy, retinoids)

How can I help prevent skin cancer?

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every few hours thereafter.
• Select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection.

• Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.

• Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

• Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths.

• Eighty percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child.

Health and Beauty tips

Liz Skincare 

2200 SW 16 ST Suite 224 Miami, FL 33145

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