Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention

The most common skin cancers are: Actinic Keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions), basal cell carcinoma (or BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (or SCC) and melanoma.

Actinic Keratoses (AK) The Earliest Skin Cancer
Actinic keratoses or solar keratoses are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. They are small, scaly spots most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, lower arms, and back of the hands in fair-skinned individuals who have had significant sun exposure. Actinic keratoses can be treated by cryotherapy (freezing), topical chemotherapy (applying a cream or lotion), chemical peeling, dermabrasion, laser surgery, curettage, photodynamic therapy (a chemical is applied to the skin prior to exposure to a light source), or other dermatologic surgical procedures. Some actinic keratoses may progress to advanced stages which require more extensive treatment. Proper use of sunscreens can help prevent actinic keratoses even after extensive sun damage has already occurred.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and least serious of the three. It often begins as a small blemish or pearly-appearing bump that can bleed easily. While BCC has little ability to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, it can be locally destructive, growing and eating away normal skin and underlying tissue. It is most common on the head and neck area.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. SCC can metastasize but usually only in long-ignored tumors or those located in certain danger zones such as the ears and lips. Most patients first notice an SCC as a hard bump, something like a wart or a callous. It is locally destructive and common on the head and neck area, and the backs of the hands and arms.

Melanoma is much less common, but much more serious. Often called the "mole cancer," melanomas can appear as a pre-existing mole that starts changing or as a new, often dark, spot that is changing rapidly. Melanoma can metastasize widely, and is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that don't normally get much sun.

Diagnosis

When a suspicious spot is identified, a biopsy is done in our office and sent to pathology to determine if it is cancerous.

Treatment

Many skin cancers are treated by simple, quick, and effective office procedures. These minor treatments can include freezing the cancer site, scraping and cauterizing the cancer site, or cutting out the cancer site. There are some topical medications (creams) that can be used on certain superficial cancers, which eliminates the need for surgical treatment.

Basic guidelines for skin cancer prevention and sun protection.

• Avoid midday sun exposure if possible—usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the sun is at its strongest.
• Frequently apply sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your skin if possible with clothing such as pants, long sleeved shirts and long skirts. Keep in mind that UV rays are more likely to penetrate some types of clothing than others such as a loosely woven material or light colors.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Almost 37 percent of white females between the ages of 13 and 19 have used a tanning bed.

A,B,C,D's of self examination>>>

Do you have a suspicious mole or growth?  Call to schedule an appointment with one of our providers for a skin examination today. 

The Dermatology And Laser Center
of San Antonio™
7810 Louis Pasteur #200 San Antonio, Texas 78229  210.614.3355