Skin Cancer Causes
Skin cancer causes and prevention is always a hot topic in the summer months. Summer brings rays of sunshine for us all. The sun lights up the world and brightens our day, doesn’t it? However, too much of a good thing can be harmful. This definitely includes the sun.
The sun is over 93 million miles from the earth. The sun is needed for vitamin D, and antioxidants. Only about 15 minutes a day several times a week is needed for vitamin D. While vitamin D production is vital for the body’s health, the sun also emits ultraviolet rays- UV A and UV B. UV A rays are longer and penetrate deeper into the skin. UV B rays are shorter and primarily go into the outer layers of the skin. Therefore, it is postulated that UV B rays can cause burning and are thought to be more damaging than UV A rays. UV A rays can cause tanning.
Types of Skin Cancer
Dogs, shirts, faces—the less wrinkles the better. Have you really ever seen a cute sharpe dog? I haven’t. Prolonged sun damage may lead to wrinkles, yes, but more importantly it can also cause both cancerous and precancerous conditions. Skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Melanoma- making a mountain out of a molehill
Melanoma is considered to be the worst type of skin cancer. Sun exposure up to age 20 is sometimes felt to be one of the biggest risk factors in developing melanoma. Melanoma is usually a pigmented lesion that has changed color, size, shape or has irregular borders. They are famous for undergoing in-transit metastasis. This means that it can spread to a location that is not close to the original site of the cancer. Some researchers have even linked melanoma to breast cancer. Melanoma comprises less than 5% of all skin cancers, but it is considered to be the worst one with the most fatalities. Melanomas can occur on the skin, but can also occur in the eyes, mouth, nose, esophagus, rectum, as well as in the vagina. On the skin, melanoma can be broken down into four categories:
- Superficial spreading- this is the most common melanoma. It usually arises from an existing mole.
- Nodular- these are more aggressive than superficial spreading melanomas.
- Lentigo maligna- this type is usually seen on the faces of lighter skinned individuals. It tends to metastasize less frequently than other types.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma- this is mainly on the soles of the feet and the palms. They tend to be large and are aggressive. This is the most common type seen in darker skinned individuals.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the cause of 90% of skin cancers. They may have an indented area in the middle of the lesion or have “pearly” edges, be scaly or bleed easily. These are just some of the signs however. While basal cell cancer does not have the same mortality as melanoma, it can spread locally. Lifetime and cumulative sun exposure is the risk factor associated with development of basal cell cancer.
Squamous cell cancer (SCC)
Lifetime and cumulative sun exposure is also the risk factor associated with squamous cell cancer. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections can also increase the risk of some SCC. Injury to the skin such as burns and scars, as well as tanning bed use can also at times increase the risk of SCC. Squamous cell cancer can spread to local lymph nodes. Some of the signs of SCC include, but not limited to raised, irregular lesions that easily bleed or recur.
Actinic keratoses
AK is considered to be a pre-malignant condition. 1 in 100 can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. They usually look like scaly, crusty growths that have a “sandpaper feel”. They can be found on the scalp, face, hands or anywhere on the body that is frequently exposed to the sun.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Love the skin you are in
For skin cancer prevention, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
It is important to know the ABCDEs of melanoma and other skin cancers:
- Asymmetry- the mole is uneven
- Border- the borders are irregular
- Color- a variety of color is present
- Diameter- more than ¼ inch
- Evolving- there is a change such as crusting, bleeding, growth is size, change of shape etc.
For skin cancer prevention it is recommended to use sunscreen with SPF of least 15, helioplex (available in many sunscreens), protective eyewear and clothing, as well to perform skin and mole checks regularly.
Skin Cancer Treatment:
If you suspect that you are a loved on has a cancerous or precancerous lesion, it is highly recommended that you visit your health care provider. Excising (cutting out) the lesion as well as other surgical skin cancer treatment plans such as Moh’s surgery may be recommended. More extensive procedures including removal of affected lymph nodes and organs may be needed in more aggressive cases. Radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy may be needed. Like with many cancers, skin cancers even melanoma can be curable if detected and treated early!
As we enjoy the summer, don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, wide brimmed hats and protective clothing. Have SAFE fun in the sun.
For more information, email me at Camille@doctorcamille.com or visit the website at www.doctorcamille.com.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace medical advice provided by your health care provider. Always seek medical attention from your health care provider. We will not be liable for any health or medical information provided.
Tags: dr. camille graham, on call with dr. camille, skin cancer, skin cancer causes, skin cancer prevention, skin cancer treatment, types of skin cancer
