At some point in their life, an estimated 20 percent of people in the United States will develop skin cancer. West Palm Beach’s Carroll Dermatology knows that “cancer” can be a scary word, which is why our experienced dermatologists are committed to providing education, guidance, diagnosis, and treatment that focuses on confidence, hope, and helping patients to enjoy long and healthy lives.
Two of the most important things you can do to minimize your risk of developing skin cancer are focusing on prevention and scheduling regular visits with a dermatologist for skin cancer screenings to catch any signs of the disease early. The sooner a cancerous lesion is identified, the sooner treatment can start—and the better the likely outcome.
Cancer is a disease that involves the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells, typically leading to the development of lesions and tumors. The problem can be localized, or it may spread throughout the body to other organs and systems. When cancer develops in skin cells, it is known as skin cancer.
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma develops in the basal cells, which make new skin cells in the epidermis. If left untreated, this cancer can grow into deeper layers and tissues, causing damage. Rare forms of aggressive BCC can metastasize and cause damage to vital structures and surrounding tissue.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The next most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which forms in the protective squamous cells in the upper layer of the epidermis. This is a bit more of an “aggressive” cancer, which can grow and spread more quickly, as well as damage nearby structures. SCC can cause local organ damage and destruction, as well as metastasize when located in high-risk areas, such as the head and neck. Genetic testing is available to determine the risk of metastasis in the future and survival rate.
- Melanoma
An especially fast-growing and deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma develops in the skin’s pigment-producing cells and can rapidly metastasize, which means it can spread to elsewhere in the body. Genetic testing is available to determine survival rate and metastatic rates.
A primary contributor to the development of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. While the sun is the main source of UV light, it can also come from tanning beds and similar artificial options. There is no “safe” level of tanning, but risk of skin cancer rises due to intense exposure (serious, peeling burns) and cumulative exposure (over years and decades).
Patients may also have a genetic component that makes them more likely to develop skin cancer. Other potential contributors to risk are environmental pollutants, immune system deficiencies, and age.
Our dermatologists have decades of experience when it comes to spotting and diagnosing cancerous lesions during skin cancer checks. Routine annual exams are important for maintaining health and catching dangerous lesions early.
Also important, however, are regular self-checks. After all, you know your skin better than anyone else. If you are examining it regularly, you will notice new or changing moles and other lesions sooner than anyone else. Then, you can tell your doctor about your concerns for a closer examination.
The warning signs of skin cancer to look for during self-exams are known as the “ABCDE’s of skin cancer.”
- A is for Asymmetry
A lesion’s asymmetrical border could be cause for concern, since cancer cells grow unchecked. Typically healthy moles and other lesions will have a uniformly round appearance, with two halves that “mirror” each other. If you see a spot with an unusual shape, have it examined.
- B is for Border
Skin lesions should have clear and distinct borders, meaning it should be easy to see where the spot stops. If a lesion’s edges are hazy, blurry, or otherwise indistinct, schedule an appointment for a closer look. Similarly, watch for edges that are rough, scalloped, or notched.
- C is for Color
Spots are naturally darker than the surrounding skin. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be spots! However, if a lesion’s color is an especially odd shade—such as black, white, or blue—or if there are multiple hues in one spot, this could be a sign of skin cancer.
- D is for Diameter
When it comes to moles and other lesions, bigger isn’t better. Any spot that has grown to have a diameter the size of a pencil eraser or larger is concerning. Skin cancer lesions can reach this size because of how rapidly the cells grow in cancerous moles.
- E is for Evolving
All skin changes over time, but the changes are typically gradual. That means lesions should look generally the same from month to month and year to year. Any mole that is rapidly evolving—whether in shape, border, color, or size—can indicate cancer cells.
- The Ugly Duckling
Another skin cancer sign to watch for is known as the “ugly duckling,” which refers to a mole or lesion that just doesn’t look like the rest of the benign growths around it. In other words, if something looks odd or wrong when it comes to your skin, don’t just ignore it. Contact Carroll Dermatology for an appointment so you can get a skin cancer check and diagnosis.
- Actinic Keratosis
If you have rough little patch of skin, especially in a typically sun-exposed area, you may have what is known as an actinic keratosis (AK). This dry lesion—often appearing in a shade somewhere between flesh-colored and red—is known as a “precancerous” condition. Patients who do nothing about their Aks may find that the patches develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Patients who come to Carroll Dermatology for a skin cancer screening will first answer questions about their medical history, as well as their history of sun exposure and sunburns.
The skin cancer screening itself takes about 30 minutes and involves a full “360-degree” exam of the body from head to toe. Patients should avoid wearing any makeup or nail polish in order to provide a clear and unobstructed view of what’s beneath. There are no blood draws necessary, and the examination is entirely painless.
If we note any lesion that warrants a closer examination or biopsy, we will discuss the next steps with you. A biopsy involves removing some of a lesion’s cells for scrutiny in a lab.
Patients with a skin cancer diagnosis will work closely with our team with a goal of the best outcome possible. There are many treatment options for everything from actinic keratosis to melanoma, with the specifics depending on the type of cancer, how far it has progressed, and other unique factors.
A highly effective surgical technique is Mohs surgery, which has a cure rate greater than 90 percent. This strategy involves removing layers of cells for intense examination, repeating the steps until all traces of a cancerous lesion are gone—right down to the “roots.”
Want to maximize your health and minimize your skin cancer risk? Contact Carroll Dermatology with your questions and concerns. We are here to help.
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