Risk Factors Involved in Skin Cancer and Treatment Options
Skin cancer can affect anyone: people with light or dark skin, older adults
or teens, men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, skin
cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, although
the exact number of cases is unknown because cancer registries do not
track all cases. It’s crucial to know the risk factors involved
in skin cancer in order to seek screening and treatment options if you
should develop the disease.
Providers at Altru Cancer Center are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin
cancer. Our team works collaboratively to create a personalized treatment
plan that meets your individual needs. Altru Cancer Center providers also
have access to experts at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic through the
Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving you access to advanced cancer treatments and, in some cases, eliminating
the need for you to travel far from home.
Types
The most common types of skin cancer include:
Basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common type of skin cancer. It may
look different from person to person and can manifest as a flesh-colored
bump, a pink patch or a wound on the skin. Basal cell carcinoma can appear
anywhere on the body, but often form on the head, neck and arms.
Squamous cell carcinoma. This is the second most prevalent skin cancer.
It can appear as a hard red bump, patch with scales, or nonhealing sore.
Squamous cell carcinoma forms in areas of the body that are typically
exposed to the sun, including the ears, face, neck, back, arms and chest.
Melanoma. This type of cancer can be fatal if left untreated. Melanoma
can develop inside a mole already on your skin or as a new spot. It will
be a dark spot that may stand out from the others.
Risk Factors
Physical characteristics—While individuals with darker skin also
get skin cancer, having lighter skin color means you’re at greater
risk. Typically, men and women at increased risk have skin that sunburns
easily, light-colored eyes and hair, and several moles.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays—UV rays damage the DNA inside skin
cells. Skin cancer can grow when the damage affects the genes that control
skin cancer growth.
Personal or family skin cancer history
Medical conditions that suppress the immune system
Skin ulcers or scars
Prevention
While many cancers are inevitable, skin cancer can often be prevented.
Only a few risk factors cannot be prevented, such as family history and
physical characteristics. But most skin cancer cases are caused by UV
radiation.
Here is what you can do to be proactive against skin cancer:
Avoid sunbathing and use of tanning beds.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, or between 10 a.m.
and 2 p.m.
Wear sun-protective clothing whenever possible, such as long-sleeve shirts,
pants and a wide-brimmed hat.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer will appear as a change in the appearance of a mole or skin
lesion. It may also develop as a new skin growth or nonhealing sore.
To help detect melanoma, look out for the ABCDEs of skin cancer:
Asymmetrical—Both sides of the mole do not match.
Border—The border is uneven or blurred.
Color—The mole varies in color.
Diameter—Many melanomas are larger than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser.
Evolving—The spot is changing in appearance.
Diagnosis
You can do your part to monitor for skin cancer. Regular skin self-exams
using the ABCDEs of melanoma can help you catch any cancerous moles. If
you see anything of concern, especially changes in a mole, itching or
bleeding, reach out to your
primary care physician or a dermatologist. Never diagnose yourself or attempt treatment on your
own. Although online images of cancer growths can help you while doing
a skin self-exam, your healthcare provider can confirm a diagnosis and
recommend next steps of treatment.
Treatment
Early treatment of skin cancer could save your life. Most cases of nonmelanoma
cancer can be treated effectively. Melanoma, when caught early, can also
be curable.
Here are some common treatments recommended for skin cancer:
Topical medications
Photodynamic therapy
Biologic therapy
Surgery for skin cancer: excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, lymph
node surgery, skin grafting and reconstruction
Recovery will be based on your individual circumstances and treatment.
After treatment, you will have several follow-up appointments with your
physician to monitor your progress and check for possible side effects
from treatment. You may need to visit your physician from every three
months to once a year.
Since patients recovering from skin cancer are more likely to get the disease
again, a physician will guide you on how to reduce your risk. This could
include examining your skin for any changes, having further screenings,
and continued protection of your skin from the sun.
The oncology experts at Altru can help you navigate all of our services
for skin cancer. Call
701.780.5400 to speak with someone on our team.
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