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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Skin Cancer
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It
is a tumor, an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, on
the skin. The skin appears to change in texture or color
and a sore or nodule may develop on your skin. These skin
changes usually can be seen with the naked eye, and 90% can
be cured if treated early.
High-risk professions for skin cancer include farmers, other
sun-exposed outdoor workers, and vehicle drivers (their
sun-exposed arm).
There are 3 common types of skin cancer:
- basal cell carcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
- melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for over 75% of all skin
cancers. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly
people, especially those who are fair-skinned. It is more
common in occupations with prolonged sun exposure. Basal
cell carcinoma develops slowly and causes a lump or a small,
painless, smooth-edged ulcer. It most often occurs on the
face, head, and neck.
Squamous cell carcinoma also results from too much sun
exposure. In addition, pipe and cigar smoking can cause
this type of cancer on the lip. It may occur anywhere on
the body as a small, usually painless (but sometimes
bleeding), enlarging skin ulcer or irregularity. It is
common on the lower lip.
Basal cell carcinoma has a very small likelihood of spread
to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma spreads
to lymph nodes in advanced cases. Both basal cell carcinoma
and squamous cell carcinoma have excellent cure rates when
treated promptly.
A melanoma usually develops from an existing benign mole.
Melanoma is not as common as the other 2 types of skin
cancer, but it is more serious and its treatment is
different. For more information on melanoma, see here
Melanoma.
How does it occur?
The most common and easily preventable cause of skin cancer
is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light (sunlight or tanning
beds). Genetic (hereditary) factors play a part in the
tendency to develop skin cancer. Some diseases and some
chemicals, such as petroleum products, increase your risk of
developing skin cancer. Also, if you have another type of
cancer, the cancer may spread to your skin.
What are the symptoms?
Many skin cancers occur on the face, but they can appear
anywhere on the skin. Symptoms of skin cancer may include:
- sores or changes in the skin that do not heal
- a craterlike lesion (ulcer) on the skin that may not hurt
- change in color, shape, or thickness of a mole
- bleeding
- itching
- pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider diagnoses skin cancer by:
- looking at your skin
- asking about your symptoms and medical history and if the
affected area of skin has changed in any way
- performing a small biopsy (removing a small piece of
tissue for microscopic analysis) or an excisional biopsy
(removing the entire growth) for analysis if suspicious
areas are present.
How is it treated?
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell
carcinoma is removal of the growth using one or more of the
following procedures. The choice of treatment depends on
the type of cancer and its size and position on the skin.
- shaving off the growth flat with the skin surface, then
cauterizing (electrically burning) the surrounding area
- cutting out the affected area and closing the wound with
sutures (stitches)
- Mohs' chemosurgery (a method of removing and analyzing
layers of the growth and surrounding skin)
- freezing the affected area using liquid nitrogen.
Skin cancer that is untreated or partially treated may
result in more severe cancer problems.
If you have previously had skin cancer, you are at a higher
risk for developing skin cancer again. Skin cancers may
recur in the same location. Your health care provider will
want to examine you at 6- to 12-month intervals. Also, see
your provider if you discover any new changes on your skin.
How long will the effects last?
The effects will last as long as the cancer cells exist and
grow. Unless they are removed, the cancer cells can spread
to lymph nodes and internal organs. Learn the
characteristics of potentially dangerous skin growths, and
see your health care provider at the first sign of anything
suspicious forming on your skin.
How can I help prevent skin cancer?
Avoid being exposed to too much sunlight. Wear clothing and
hats that cover you, and avoid midday sun whenever possible.
Use sunscreen lotions to protect against UV light when you
must be outdoors. The higher the SPF (sun protection
factor), the greater the protection. Use a lotion with an
SPF value of at least 15. If you are allergic to PABA, use
PABA-free sunscreen lotions. And remember that UV rays
from the sun can penetrate clouds and cause sunburn or
damage even on cloudy days.
If you are at high risk because of previous or ongoing sun
exposure, see your health care provider for a baseline skin
exam.
If you have a history of sun-related skin changes, such as
actinic (solar) keratoses, see your health care provider
regularly on a schedule he or she recommends.
To get more information about skin cancer, talk to your
health care provider or contact:
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