Skin Cancer See Video on Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer  ACTINIC KERATOSES (AK) BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC) SWUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) MALIGNANT MELANOMA Prevention Periodic Self-Examination Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. It is estimated that more then one million Americans develop skin cancer every year. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at a particularly high risk for developing skin cancer. Other less important factors include repeated medical x-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns, occupational exposure to compounds such as coal tar and arsenic, and family history. ACTINIC KERATOSES (AK)  Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at a particularly high risk for developing skin cancer. Other less important factors include repeated medical x-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns, occupational exposure to compounds such as coal tar and arsenic, and family history. 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-sinned individuals who have had significant sun exposure. Actinic Keratoses can be treated by Cryotherapy ( freezing), Topical Chemoterapy ( applying a cream or lotion), Chemical Peeling, Dermabrasion, Laser Surgery, Curettage, Photodynamic Therapy ( a chemical is applied to the skin prior exposure to a light source., or other dermatologic surgical procedures. BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC) Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer worldwide, accounting for 80% of all diagnosed skin cancer cases. Where Occurs Basal cell carcinoma appears most often on sun-exposed areas, such as the as the face, scalp, ears, neck, chest, hands, back, and legs. Though rare, basal cell carcinoma can occur on skin that has been protected from the sun. Warning Signs As the photographs below show, basal cell carcinoma can take several forms:
 An enlarged image of a basal cell carcinoma that appeared as a sore that never fully heals. 
Patients all have nodular basal cell carcinoma, a type of basal cell carcinoma
that appears as a well-defined growth with rolled edges. It may be pigmented
or translucent with visible blood vessels. Also known as cystic
basal cell carcinoma, it usually appears on the face. This elderly patient has superficial basal cell carcinoma, a type of basal cell carcinoma that usually appears as multiple, slow-growing, shiny pink or red, slightly scaly lesions that most often develop on the trunk and shoulders.  This poorly defined firm white area of skin shows a tumor that involves much of the patient’s cheek.  This type of basal cell carcinoma is called sclerosing basal cell carcinoma, which typically appears as a thickened, skin-colored scar. SWUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 16% of all new skin cancer cases in the United States. Where Occurs It is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck, arms, scalp, and hands. However, it may occur anywhere - even inside of the mouth, on a lip, or on genitals. Warning Signs Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include:
The tumors can reach ¾ to 1 inch in size and develop into large masses. Since squamous cell carcinoma has the potential to metastasize (spread), this form of skin cancer can be lethal if not treated. In aggressive cases, the tumor can spread to the lymph nodes or internal organs. This is especially true when a tumor begins on a lip or ear, or the patient has a weakened immune system. Conditions that weaken the immune system include an organ transplant, lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  This tumor developed rapidly over a six-month period on the patient's scalp. MALIGNANT MELANOMA While only 4% of diagnosed skin cancer is melanoma, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because of its ability to spread. This is why it is so important to catch melanoma early when the cure rate with dermatological surgery is about 95%. Where Occurs Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body - soles, palms, inside the mouth, genitalia, and underneath nails. However, it is most commonly found on the back, buttocks, legs, scalp, neck, and behind the ears. Warning Signs Melanoma often develops in a pre-existing mole that begins to change or a new mole. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of melanomas arise from an atypical mole. This is why it is so important to be familiar with the moles on your body and perform regular self-examinations of your skin. When looking at moles, keep in mind the ABCDs of Melanoma Detection:  It is important to realize that a mole may have some of the characteristics described above and not be a melanoma. A biopsy is often necessary to distinguish an atypical mole from a melanoma. Other warning signs of melanoma include:
Prevention Most skin cancer can be prevented by practicing sun protection, according to numerous research studies. Research also shows that not only does sun protection reduce one’s risk of developing skin cancer; sun protection also may decrease the likelihood of recurrence. Even if you have spent a lot of time in the sun or developed skin cancer, it’s never too late to begin protecting your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) recommends that everyone protect their skin by following these sun protection practices: Sun Protection Practices 1. Avoid deliberate tanning. Lying in the sun may feel good, but the end result is premature aging (wrinkles, blotchiness, and sagging skin) as well as a 1 in 5 chance of developing skin cancer. Tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous because they, too, emit enough UV radiation to cause premature aging and skin cancer. If you like the look of a tan, consider using a sunless self-tanning product. These products do not protect skin from the sun, so a sunscreen should be used. 2. Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun. 3. Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin every day. The sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and be broad-spectrum (provides protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays). Dermatologists worldwide agree that the Australians' use of the word "slop!" accurately describes how sunscreen should be used. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to help protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered by the Academy to be the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. So when applying sunscreen, remember to "slop!" it on. Here are a few more tips:
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun. This can increase your risk chance of sunburn. Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. More Good Reasons to Practice Sun Protection Aside from skin cancer, the sun's UV rays also cause:
Periodic Self-Examination  Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then right and left sides with arms raised. Women should look under their breasts.  Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms, and palms.  Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and on the soles. If you cannot see all parts of your feet, use a handheld mirror.  Examine the backs of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair to examine the entire scalp.  Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror. Call now to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport for healthy, younger-looking skin. Tel: (201) 227-1555. You can also ask questions by clicking on Ask Questions 
Home | Forum | Photos | Videos | Press | Financing | About Us | Contact Us All information on cosmeticskin.com is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. © 1994-2008 CosmeticSkin.com All contents copyright, all rights reserved. Contact Physician Network Inc. for any inquiries |
