Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers, affecting more than 1 million Americans every year. Since most people receive between 50 and 80 percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun by the age of 18, sun protection in young people is more important than ever.
People with a family history of skin cancer face a higher risk of developing the disease, and those most susceptible appear to have fair skin and a northern European heritage. Environmental factors also strengthen the risk. A reduction of the earth’s ozone has increased the level of UV light exposure above what we experienced 100 or even 50 years ago.
What is Skin Cancer?
Cancer is caused by damaged cells. While heredity and environment contribute to its causes, sunburn and UV light inflict most of the damage that leads to skin cancer. There are different types of skin cancer:
Actinic keratoses
(AK) patches or lesions mark the earliest stage of skin cancer development. These small, scaly spots typically occur on the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands, arms and legs of people who have experienced significant sun exposure. AKs can form above or below the skin’s surface, are only a few millimeters in size, and can be flat or raised. They are typically harmless, but 20 percent of them may become cancerous, and patients can have up to 10 times as many undetected AKs under the skin’s surface as visible ones.
Basal cell carcinoma
(BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and appears frequently on the head, neck and hands as a small, fleshy bump, nodule or red patch. These slow-growing tumors do not spread to other areas of the body, but if left untreated they often begin to bleed, crust over, heal and repeat the cycle. Basal cell carcinoma can also extend below the skin to bones and nerves, causing considerable local damage.
Squamous cell carcinoma
(SCC) is the second most common skin cancer and typically appears as a bump or red, scaly patch on the face, lips, mouth or rim of the ear. Squamous cell carcinoma can invasively develop into large masses, then spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it’s very important to seek early treatment.
Malignant melanoma
is the deadliest of all skin cancers but is completely curable when treated early. Melanoma tumors grow from melanocytes—cells that make pigment in the skin—and are typically tan, brown, black, white or even red. Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin. It’s important to know the location and appearance of moles on the body to detect changes as early as possible. A dermatologist should examine any mole that changes, since early melanoma can be removed while still in its curable stage.
People with a family history of skin cancer face a higher risk of developing the disease, and those most susceptible appear to have fair skin and a northern European heritage. Environmental factors also strengthen the risk. A reduction of the earth’s ozone has increased the level of UV light exposure above what we experienced 100 or even 50 years ago.
Recognizing Skin Cancer
Some skin cancers are obvious while others are subtle. A visit to our office is very important the first you notice a new growth that does not look like other moles: a mole that changes in size, texture or color; or a mole that bleeds, itches or is painful. People with a personal history of skin cancer or precancerous growth, a family history of melanoma, or more than 50 moles should have a full skin exam annually.
Prevention of Skin Cancer
Overexposure to ultraviolet light, whether from sunlight or tanning lamps, is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Since between 50 and 80 percent of sun exposure occurs during the first 18 years of life, routine sun protection is critical. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily and reapply after swimming or sweating.
How To Treat Skin Cancer
When a biopsy reveals the diagnosis of skin cancer, it is necessary to act quickly and determine the necessary treatment options. Surgical treatments, such as excision of the area of skin are common and done in the office. Cryosurgery, Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy (IG-SRT) and laser surgery are also options available in our office. Rarely patients are referred to cancer specialists at other institutions.
Since cancer survival rates are highest with early detection and early treatments, we strongly suggest regular skin cancer checks and having any suspicious mole or sore checked by Dr. Desjarlais.
Schedule An Appointment
Get started on a healthier you. Dr. Desjarlais and his amazing staff are ready to help you reach your skin and body goals! Contact us to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options.
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2000 Curtis Rd.
Adrian, MI 49221
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