Nonmelanoma and Melanoma Skin Cancers What is nonmelanoma (basal or squamous cell) skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are classified as nonmelanoma, usually occurring in either basal cells or squamous cells. These cells are located at the base of the outer layer of the skin or cover the internal and external surfaces of the body. Most nonmelanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. What is melanoma skin cancer?
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes - the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Melanoma is almost always curable when it is detected in its early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers, and it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Who is affected by skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer it accounts for half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer is found each year and the ACS estimates that 62,000 new case of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in 2006 in the US. What are the risk factors?
Risk factors for nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:- Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Fair complexion.
- Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds,
or radium. - Family history.
- Multiple or atypical moles.
- Severe sunburns as a child.
What is the survival rate?
A cure is highly likely if detected early enough. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 92%. For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 98%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 64% and 16% respectively. About 83% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 10,710 deaths from skin cancer in 2006 - 7,910 from melanoma and 2,800 from other skin cancers. What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?
Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:- Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth.
- Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule.
- The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark.
- A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Can skin cancer be prevented?
The best ways to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.- Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest.
- Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
- Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
- Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
- Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.
- Information obtained from the American Cancer Society at www.acs.org
Sun Protection- Wearing sunscreen daily is the single most important step you can do to protect your skin; however sunscreen is not enough and not all sunscreens protect equally.
- Sun Protection Factor, commonly known as SPF measures protection against UVB rays ONLY. So you need to find a sunscreen labeled "broad spectrum" which also protects against UVA rays.
- Both UVA and UVB rays harm you skin: UVA can pass through glass and penetrate deeply causing premature lines and wrinkles as well as play role in formation of skin cancer. UVB penetrates the outer layer of skin, causing damage to the cells. This is the primary cause of sunburn and too much exposure can cause the formation of skin cancer.
- In addition to sunscreen you should protect yourself with 99-100% UV protection sunglasses as well as wear protective clothing including hats.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call the Dermatology Center for Skin Health to schedule your appointment with Dr. Maouad. (304) 598-3888 |
