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SALT LAKE CITY — Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer, with more than 1 million new cases occurring annually, according to MedicineNet.com.
“Annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern,” MedicineNet.com states. “It has also been estimated nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once."
The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, like new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained skin changes lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.
Skin cancer types
There are three main types of skin cancer:
1. Basal cell carcinoma
- What it is: abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that arise in the skin’s basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the skin. This is the most common type of skin cancer.
- What it looks like: open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps or scars. It can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow, but almost never spreads beyond the original tumor site. This type of cancer should not be taken lightly.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
- What it is: an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that compose most of the skin’s top layers. It may occur on any part of the body but is most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun.
- What it looks like: scaly red patches or scabs, open sores, elevated growths with a central depression or warts; they may crust or bleed. This type of cancer can be deadly if not taken care of.
3. Melanoma
- What it is: a cancerous growth that develops when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells "triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors," the Skin Cancer Foundation's website states. These tumors originate in the pigment-producing part of the skin. They are caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure, especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease.
- What it looks like: melanoma often resembles a mole; some develop from moles. The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white.
Melanoma kills an estimated 8,790 people in the United States annually, the Skin Cancer Foundation says. However, if it is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.
While it is not the most common of the skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths. From my experience, it is the most painful death I have ever seen.
Treatment
Treatment for skin cancer varies, depending on the size, type, depth and location of the skin abnormality. The treatment may include but is not limited to:
- Freezing. Your doctor may destroy some small, early skin cancers by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The dead tissue scabs and sloughs off when it thaws.
- Excisional surgery. This type of treatment may be appropriate for any type of skin cancer. This process cuts out cancerous tissue and surrounding margin of healthy skin. A wide excision may be recommended in some cases.
- Laser therapy. This is a precise, intense beam of light that vaporizes growths, generally with little damage to surrounding tissue.
- Mohs surgery. This procedure is for larger, recurring or difficult-to-treat skin cancers. Your doctor will remove the skin growth layer by layer, examining each layer under the microscope, until no abnormal cells remain.
- Curettage and electrodesiccation. After removing most of a growth, your doctor scrapes away layers of cancer cells using a circular blade. An electric needle destroys any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation may be used in situations when surgery isn't an option.
- Chemotherapy. In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. For cancers limited to the top layer of skin, creams or lotions containing anti-cancer agents may be applied directly to the skin. Systemic chemotherapy can be used to treat sWekin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT). This treatment destroys skin cancer cells with a combination of laser light and drugs that makes cancer cells sensitive to light. This treatment makes your skin sensitive to light, so you will need to avoid direct sunlight for at least six weeks after treatment.
- Biological therapy. Biological treatments stimulate your immune system in order to kill cancer cells.
Before seeking medical help for skin cancer — or any type of illness, for that matter — be prepared. Make sure you’re made aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, write down any symptoms you're experiencing, write down key personal information, make a list of all medications, consider taking a family member or friend along, and write down questions to ask.
Skin cancer prevention will always include a healthy lifestyle and limiting your exposure to direct sunlight and tanning beds. It is always important to inspect your skin daily for any changes. It is better to be safe than sorry that you did not pay attention.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
