Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 500,000 new cases are reported each year—and the incidence is rising faster than any other type of cancer. While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous.
Who gets skin cancer ...and why
The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation—most often from the sun, but also from artificial sources like sunlamps and tanning booths. In fact, researchers believe that our quest for the perfect tan, an increase in outdoor activities, and perhaps the thinning of the earth’s protective ozone layer are behind the alarming rise we’re now seeing in skin cancers.
Anyone can get skin cancer—no matter what your skin type, race or age, no matter where you live or what you do. But your risk is greater if…
- Your skin is fair and freckles easily.
- You have light-colored hair and eyes.
- You have a large number of moles, or moles of unusual size or shape.
- You have a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburn.
- You spend a lot of time working or playing outdoors.
- You live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense, year-round sunshine.
- You received therapeutic radiation treatments for adolescent acne.
- Your skin is fair and freckles easily.
Types of skin cancer
- By far the most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma . Fortunately, it's also the least dangerous kind—it tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads beyond its original site. Though basal cell carcinoma is seldom life threatening, if left untreated it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage (particularly if it's located near the eye).
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common kind of skin cancer, frequently appearing on the lips, face, or ears. It sometimes spreads to distant sites, including lymph nodes and internal organs. Squamous cell carcinoma can become life threatening if it's not treated.
- A third form of skin cancer,malignant melanoma, is the least common, but its incidence is increasing rapidly, especially in the Sunbelt states. Malignant melanoma is also the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be completely cured. If it's not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread throughout the body and is often deadly.
Other skin growths you should know about
Two other common types of skin growths are moles and keratoses.
- Moles are clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells, either flat or raised above the skin surface. While most pose no danger, some—particularly large moles present at birth—or those with mottled colors and poorly defined borders—may develop into malignant melanoma. Moles are frequently removed for cosmetic reasons, or because they're constantly irritated by clothing or jewelry (which can sometimes cause pre-cancerous changes).
- Solar or actinic keratoses are rough, red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are usually found on areas exposed to the sun, and sometimes develop into squamous cell cancer.
Recognizing skin cancer
Basal and can vary widely in appearance. The cancer may begin as small, white or pink nodule or bumps; it can be smooth and shiny, waxy, or pitted on the surface. Or it might appear as a red spot that’s rough, dry, or scaly; a firm, red lump that may form a crust; a crusted group of nodules; a sore that bleeds or doesn’t heal after two to four weeks; or a white patch that looks like scar tissue.
Malignant melanoma is usually signaled by a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin. Watch for the “ABCD” warning signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry —a growth with unmatched halves
- Border irregularity —ragged or blurred edges
- Color—a mottled appearance, with shades of tan, brown, and black, sometimes mixed with red, white, or blue
- Diameter—a growth more than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), or any unusual increase in s
If all these variables sound confusing, the most important thing to remember is this: Get to know your skin and examine it regularly, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. (Don’t forget your back.) If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your body, have a doctor check it out.
Diagnosis and treatment
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of the growth and examining its cells under a microscope. It can be treated by a number of methods, depending on the type of cancer, its stage of growth, and its location on your body. Small skin cancers can often be excised quickly and easily in our office.
Most skin cancers are removed surgically, by Dr. Milne in the least invasive way possible. In most cases, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, in our office, using local anesthesia or a light anesthesia if necessary. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. Or curettage and desiccation may be performed. In this procedure the cancer is scraped out with an electric current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells. This leaves a slightly larger, white scar. In either case, the risks accompanying surgery are low.
Common Questions About Skin Cancer
Early signs of skin cancer include new or changing moles, unusual skin growth, sores that do not heal, and spots that itch, bleed, or change color. Regular skin checks help detect skin cancer early.
You should see a specialist if you notice changes in moles, persistent skin lesions, or unusual spots on your skin. Early diagnosis by an Austin skin cancer expert can improve treatment success.
We treat common types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, using advanced and personalized treatment methods.
Most skin cancer treatments are minimally invasive and performed with local anesthesia, making the procedure comfortable with little to no pain.
Skin cancer is diagnosed through a skin examination and biopsy, where a small sample of skin is tested in a laboratory to confirm the condition.
Yes, skin cancer risk can be reduced by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours in Austin.