A Spotlight on Skin Cancer
With summer upon us, it’s a good time to remind you to take care of your skin to prevent any unfavorable effects from the sun. Wearing sunscreen is so important, even if you aren’t spending hours in the direct sun, as we are exposed to the harmful rays of the sun each and every day. Our skin is the largest organ on our body so it’s vitally important that we take the best care of it.
Did you know that 1 in 3 new cancer diagnoses are skin cancers? When was the last time that you examined your own skin for any unusual markings, changing moles or new spots? With skin cancer diagnoses becoming more and more common, it has never been more important to learn as much as you can about the various types of skin cancers. A few skin cancers you should be aware of include Actinic Keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma (MM), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Actinic Keratosis, or solar keratosis, is a very common precancer that forms with exposure to UV rays from the sun. The likelihood of developing additional actinic keratoses in the future is high and these lesions can further develop into squamous cell carcinoma. They usually appear as dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin in various colors and are rough in texture.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
An estimated 3.6 million Americans are diagnosed with Basal cell each year, making it the most common form of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. This type of skin cancer begins in the basal cells, which are one of three main types of cells found in the epidermis (top-most layer of skin). In many cases, basal cell carcinoma is caused by overexposure to UV rays, either from the sun or tanning beds. Basil cell usually shows up on the skin as a pearly nodule, or sore that continuously heals and reopens, a slightly elevated pink growth, irritated patches of skin with a reddish color, or waxy-looking scar. BCC’s grow slowly and rarely spread beyond the original site, but if left untreated, can become locally invasive, grow wide and deep into the skin and destroy skin, tissue and bone. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely it is that the BCC will reoccur, sometimes repeatedly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
According to the American Cancer Society, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is the second most common skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. About 20% of skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. This type of skin cancer most often appears on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, or backs of the hands and appear as scaly red patches, open sores, rough, thickened skin, or raised growths with a central depression. When caught early, most squamous cell carcinomas are curable.
Malignant Melanoma (MM)
Melanoma is less common than SCC or BCC, but it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs rapidly if not treated. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, or pigment-making cells found in the epidermis. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, the skin damage triggers the melanocytes to produce more melanin which in turn trigger them to grow out of control, resulting in melanoma skin cancer. Melanomas can show up on the skin in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and dangerous form of skin cancer that has a high risk of recurrence, spreads to other parts of the body, and can be life threatening. This type of cancer begins in the Merkel cells located in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). This cancer is seen on sun-exposed skin, but it can appear anywhere on the body. It looks like firm pearly pimple-like lump, can be skin colored, pink, red, or purple, and are not tender to the touch. MCC can be 3 to 5 times more deadly than melanoma, but with early detection can be treated successfully. Treatment becomes challenging once the disease has spread.
Here are some steps you can take to help care for your skin:
- Wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30+, even on a cloudy day. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily application of sunscreen as we are constantly exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun.
- Keep exposed skin covered if you are planning to be out in the sun. Wear clothes that have UV protection if you are able.
- Avoid Tanning Centers.
- Just like the old saying goes, if you see something, say something….if you see something unusual, SAY something to your doctor! Even if you aren’t sure, go get it checked because waiting too long may affect the outcome. Take steps to get ahead of any concerns with your skin.
- Have your partner or close friend look at areas that you can see. Go get any concerns checked.
- Schedule a full-body check with a dermatologist now and make it an annual appointment as our skin is constantly changing as we age.
Be safe out there in the sun and heat and enjoy your summer!
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2
