Skin
Cancer
What
is it?
Skin
cancer is a malignant growth on the skin and is
the most common form of cancer in the United
States. The three major types of skin cancer are
the more common basal cell and squamous cell
cancers and the rare malignant melanoma. Most skin
cancer develops in the epidermis, the outer layer
of the skin.
Who
gets it?
Basal
cell and squamous cell cancers affect an estimated
1.3 million people annually in the United States.
Malignant melanoma is rare and strikes about
400,000 people a year. However, it is the most
rapidly increasing form of cancer in the U.S. and
is very deadly, accounting for 75 percent of all
deaths from skin cancer. This type of skin cancer
can spread to other organs, most commonly the
lungs and liver.
While
anyone can get skin cancer, people with certain
characteristics are at a higher risk of
contracting skin cancer. Risk factors include fair
to light skin complexion, family or personal
history of skin cancer, chronic exposure to the
sun, history of sunburns early in life, a large
number of atypical moles, and freckles (an
indicator of sun sensitivity and sun damage).
What
causes it?
While
the exact cause of skin cancer is not known, many
experts believe exposure to the sun's ultraviolet
(UV) rays is the most important factor. Some
experts blame the depletion of the ozone layer for
the rise in the number of skin cancer cases in
recent decades. The ozone layer screens out much
of the suns UV rays. Skin cancer can run in
families, so genetics may also be involved.
What
are the symptoms?
Symptoms of skin cancer include a lump or patch
that grows or changes color or shape. The lump may
be smooth, pale and waxy, or red, rough and scaly.
Other symptoms include a sore that does not heal
or an itchy lump or patch.
How is
it diagnosed?
To
diagnose skin cancer, the doctor may remove all or
part of the suspicious lump or patch and send it
to the lab for examination. This may determine
whether or not the lump is cancer and what type it
is.
Sometimes skin cancer is detected during a
patient’s screening for skin cancer. During the
screening, the doctor will look for any changes in
the patient’s skin, including the appearance or
size of moles, using the ABCD guidelines. A is
asymmetry (shape of mole is different on each
side), B is border (instead of a smooth, circular
border, the mole has a jagged or irregular
border), C is color (instead of being the same
color, the mole contains different shades), and D
is for diameter (the mole is larger than the size
of a pencil eraser).
What
is the treatment?
When
detected early, more than 95 percent of patients
with skin cancer can be treated and cured. To
treat skin cancer, the doctor will surgically
remove any cancerous growths that are found. The
cancerous area may be replaced by a skin graft to
avoid scarring. For patients diagnosed with
malignant melanomas, the doctor may recommend
radiation therapy or anticancer drugs
(chemotherapy) in addition to surgery.
Both
basal cell and squamous cell cancers are highly
curable and rarely spread elsewhere. Malignant
melanoma can be treated if it is detected early
enough. This type of skin cancer can spread
quickly to other parts of the body, at which point
it becomes dangerous and hard to treat.
Self-care tips
Skin
cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent.
People who are at risk should limit their sun
exposure by covering up or applying sunscreen.
They should also take advantage of any skin cancer
screening programs in their area; check their skin
regularly for lumps or areas that change in size,
shape or color; and tell their doctor if they
notice any changes in their skin. The sooner skin
cancer is detected, the better the chances of
successful treatment, so it's important to
recognize the early warning signs.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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