BCCs are abnormal growths or lesions that arise from the skin’s basal cells, which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis, known as the basal cell layer. This type of cancer grows slowly and can be effectively treated if detected early. It’s the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all diagnoses.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Patients at HOA will receive treatment options based on the type and stage of their skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is categorized into two main types: non-melanoma and melanoma. Identifying the specific type is important, as it influences the recommended treatment approach.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
The two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers often develop on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck, hands, and arms.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell skin cancer is the result of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the upper layers of the skin (epidermis). While prolonged sun exposure is a common cause, SCC can also occur in areas that are not exposed to the sun. Although SCC is usually not life-threatening, if left untreated, it can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, leading to severe complications. It’s the second most common type of skin cancer.
Melanoma Skin Cancer
Melanoma, which is relatively rare, accounting for only 1% of skin cancers, starts in skin cells called melanocytes, which are located between the dermis and epidermis. Although melanoma is less common than non-melanoma cancers, it is much more aggressive and has a higher likelihood of spreading if not caught early. Melanoma often resembles moles and can develop anywhere on the skin, particularly on the chest, back, legs, neck, and face.
Less Common Skin Cancers
While melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma account for 99% of all skin cancer cases, there are other lesser-known forms to be aware of.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
MCC is a rare and aggressive skin cancer that primarily occurs on sun-exposed areas, such as the head and neck, arms, legs, and trunk. It typically appears as a firm, painless lump on the skin. MCC is a fast-growing cancer, making it harder to treat if it spreads to areas beyond the skin.
Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)
Kaposi sarcoma is caused by the human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) and develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels. It appears on the skin as darkish or purple-colored tumors or lesions, or on the inside of the mouth. These lesions often do not cause symptoms, but can metastasize (spread). People with weakened immune systems due to certain diseases or drugs given after organ transplants are at a higher risk of developing Kaposi sarcoma.
There are several types of KS, including:
- Epidemic (AIDS-related) Kaposi sarcoma
- Classic (Mediterranean) Kaposi sarcoma
- Endemic (African) Kaposi sarcoma
- Latrogenic (transplant-related) Kaposi sarcoma
- Kaposi sarcoma in HIV-negative men who have sex with men
Lymphoma of the Skin
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells essential for immune system function. While lymphoma commonly involves the lymph nodes, it can also begin in other lymphoid tissues, including the spleen, bone marrow, and skin. The two main types of lymphomas are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphomas that originate only in the skin are called skin lymphoma or cutaneous lymphoma.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer, but having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will get the disease. Likewise, some people who develop skin cancer may not have had any known risk factors at all. To minimize your overall risk, it’s wise to take proactive steps that you can control regarding skin care. The more you know about skin cancer risks, the easier it is to reduce your risk or at least detect cancer early when it is easier to treat.
The most significant risk factor for all types of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation, which includes sunlight and the use of tanning beds. Additional risk factors may include:
- Having fair skin, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair
- A family or personal history of skin cancer
- A history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Skin that reddens, burns, freckles, or becomes painful in the sun
- Older age
- Smoking
- Severe or long-term skin inflammation
- Certain types and/or numerous moles
- Male gender
- Exposure to chemicals or radiation
- A weakened immune system
Tips for Reducing Risk
Skin protection should be a priority year-round, not just during the summer, as UV rays can reach your skin even on cloudy or hazy days. Additionally, UV rays reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.
Watch Dr. Gajra as he discusses skin cancer awareness
Some effective options for protection against UV radiation include:
- Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
- Seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest
- Wearing protective clothing and a wide-brimmed
- Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Avoiding indoor tanning
In addition to the prevention tips mentioned above, performing regular skin self-exams or having a physician conduct a professional skin exam annually can help with the early detection of skin cancer.
What to Do if You Feel You’re at Risk
If you notice an area on your skin that looks suspicious or is concerning to you, it’s best to consult your primary care doctor or dermatologist right away. If your doctor has concerns about the possibility of skin cancer, further examination and testing will be conducted. The earlier you get it checked, the easier it is to treat.
Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer
There are several warning signs associated with melanoma and other types of skin cancer, including:
- New or changing moles
- Sores that do not heal
- Changes in the color or size of lesions
- Areas that bleed, itch, or become painful
- A spot that is expanding into the surrounding skin
- Unexplained swelling or redness around a mole
- Scaliness, bleeding, or oozing on the surface of a mole
Any concerning changes in your skin should be looked at promptly by your primary care physician or a dermatologist. Some examinations may include a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. The sooner a skin cancer diagnosis is made, the better the chances of a positive treatment outcome.
Early Detection Begins With Self-Examinations
One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime, which is why both men and women of all ages need to become familiar with their skin, including all moles, freckles, and birthmarks. Taking time each month to check your skin can help you quickly identify changes or new growths.
When performing monthly skin self-exams, it’s helpful to keep a record of your findings on a body map. On a diagram of the body, mark the locations of any spots on your skin and draw lines out to the margins to note their approximate size, color, and the date. Use the same map each month to track your findings. This is an easy and effective way to recognize new spots or changes in existing ones.
With each self-exam, you’ll become more familiar with what is normal for you, allowing unusual changes to catch your attention more quickly so you can have them checked by a professional.
Know the ABCDEs of Skin Cancer
Individuals with freckles or moles may find it challenging to distinguish between normal spots and those that need further evaluation. However, some common signs can help you determine whether a spot is concerning.
These signs are summarized in the ABCDE Rule:
- A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other half.
- B for Border: The edges are irregular, jagged, blurry, or notched.
- C for Color: The color is not uniform and includes different shades of black, brown, red, white, pink, or blue patches.
- D for Diameter: The growth is more than ¼ inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, color, or shape.
While not all skin cancers follow these guidelines, many do. If you are ever in doubt, it is best to have any unusual marks on your skin checked by a dermatologist.
When to See a Doctor
You should see your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you notice anything that could be a sign of skin cancer. It’s always better to be cautious; even if it’s not cancer, you will have peace of mind. If skin cancer is detected early, a dermatologist may be able to treat it. If it’s more advanced, they will refer you to an oncologist who specializes in skin cancer.
