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The Universal Threat of Skin Cancer

Summer is over, and the amount of time we are spending outside is dwindling. As the tans fade, many will turn to tanning beds to contain the sun-kissed glow to the skin. Everyone knows that tanning beds are bad for you, but just a few times won’t hurt, right? Wrong. Just one use of the tanning bed dramatically increases your chances of developing a form of skin cancer. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable, but if left unnoticed, there can be seriously, lasting and reoccurring problems. Here is a breakdown of the different types of skin cancer, how to tell the difference and when to know it’s time to see a dermatologist.

Skin Cancer 101

Skin cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of skin cells in a concentrated area. UV ray exposure or sun damage are the leading causes associated with skin cancer. It affects all skin types, although those with a fair complexion or are susceptible to sunburns are at a higher risk. Although people who are over 40 are more likely to get it, using a tanning bed early on can increase the chances by up to 59 percent. Depending on the type of skin cancer, treatments range from topical medications to chemotherapy and radiation.

Actinic Keratoses

Referred to as AKs, actinic keratoses are precancerous growths on the surface of the skin. They form when the skin is damaged by UV rays and appear as dry, scaly patches or spots. People who form an AK once are susceptible to them reoccurring frequently throughout life. The patches can go away, then reappear once the skin is exposed to the sun.

Although AKs are precancerous, it’s important to visit a dermatologist immediately for treatment before the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma arises. Actinic keratoses are only characterized by physical symptoms. People with these spots might notice a rough patch that is not entirely visible and painful when rubbed. The spot might itch and burn, and the lips on the face may become dry.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and most diagnosed form in the United States. It appears in common sun-exposed places of the skin like the face, neck and hands. Like all skin cancers, the usage of tanning beds dramatically increases the chances of developing BCC by 40 percent. BCC grows slowly, rarely spreads and is highly treatable, but it’s important to get a worrisome spot checked out immediately when noticed. This form of cancer can destroy bone, tissue and the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma shows up on the skin in various forms. Most commonly, it will appear as a dome-shaped growth with visible blood vessels. It can look as a pink or red patch of scaly skin, like eczema. In addition, it may form as a yellowish-pale scar that won’t heal. The growth will often bleed, ooze then scab over.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are over 700,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in the United States every year. This form of skin cancer starts off as actinic keratoses, precancerous growths. People who are diagnosed with SCC have had sun exposure to their skin for an extended amount of years. Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer.

SCC is physically characterized by a rough bump or lump on the skin. It will grow to be dome-shaped, then crust over and bleed. It looks to be a sore that doesn’t heal, and if it does, it will reappear. Squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed by a dermatologist who will perform a biopsy. Treatments can include excision, surgery, radiation or light therapy. The type of treatment depends on how deep the cancer has grown and how much it has spread.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is the easiest spread. When detected early enough, it is highly treatable, but it is important to know the waning signs of what to look for. People who spend lots of time in the sun should perform regular body checks for any abnormal moles or growths. You can detect a worrisome spot by looking for the symmetry, border, color, diameter and evolution of the area.

Melanoma can change an pre-existing mole or form a completely new spot on the skin. It can also appear as a dark streak under a finger or toe nail. Melanoma can become deadly if it spreads to the lymph nodes or any internal organs. Depending on the stage it is caught, melanoma is treated by surgery, radiation or even chemotherapy. If you have a concerning spot on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

The medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group are experienced in catching, diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. To make an appointment, contact us online here, or at (865) 690-9467 today.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. 3.3 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, making it the most common form of cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 40-50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will develop a type of mild skin cancer at least once. The good news? Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

Sun damage is cumulative, so start taking preventative measures as early as possible. This is especially important if you have children or grandchildren. People who use SPF 15+ sunscreen daily show 24 percent less skin aging and lower the risk of melanoma by 50 percent. Skin cancer needs to be detected as early as possible.

Our next blog will cover how to tan without hurting your skin. Here’s a hint: do NOT use the tanning bed! If you have a question about your skin or suspect a new mole/blemish, contact your local dermatologist. Call (856)690-9467 to book your next appointment.

Melanoma: Getting the Facts about this Increasingly Common Cancer

Melanoma is an ugly word, but even uglier are its effects on your body. The most serious cancer of the skin, melanoma begins in the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and shows up in the skin because that is where these cells are mostly found. While one in 50 Americans is at risk for developing melanoma at some point in his or her lifetime, you might be surprised to hear that the demographic being most affected by this type of cancer is actually younger adults and teens.

In fact, melanoma is the number one cancer in young adults ages 25 to 29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 29. About 65% of melanoma cases can be traced to overexposure to ultraviolet or UV rays from natural or artificial sources. This means sunlight and indoor tanning beds are partly to blame. Other factors that can play a part are family history, genetics and environment. Even if you don’t actively tan, it’s still important to realize that melanoma can pop up in melanocytes all throughout the body, even ones which have never been exposed to the sun.

So what does all of this mean for you, especially if you or someone you love is a young adult/teen with a greater risk? It is first important to learn preventative measures and then adhere to them as much as you can.

Practice Safe Sun
• Apply sunscreen generously to all skin that is exposed.
You might think this is only something you do while on vacation or lounging at the pool during summer months, but actually, this should be a daily ritual year-round, even on cloudy or overcast days. Make sure the sunscreen you use offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Read ingredients and select products which contain titanium dioxide and mexoryl. These block UVA rays better.

When we say apply generously, it means generously! In order to protect your entire body, use about an ounce of sunscreen (picture a full shot glass) and make sure to apply it at least 20 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. When swimming or sweating under the sun’s rays, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Even if your bottle says waterproof, it will need to be reapplied throughout the day.

• Wear clothing that protects your skin
This could be a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat if possible. Lighter colors will help you keep cooler even on the hottest days.

• Be aware of the sun’s intensity
The sun’s rays are most intense during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so try to be most careful during these times.

• Pay special attention when near water, snow and sand
These elements can reflect the sun’s damaging rays and this has the potential to increase your chances of a sunburn.

• Speaking of sunburns…
Avoid them at all cost! Severe sunburns, especially the ones you might have gotten as a child, can increase your risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Even one sunburn which included blisters can double your chances of melanoma later in life.

• Don’t be fooled into thinking tanning is better than burning
We understand that everyone would like to be a bronzed goddess, but there are just too many other ways to achieve this look besides tanning. Current research shows that there is no way to get a tan through UV exposure without increasing the risk for skin cancer. Spray tans, self-tanning creams and bronzers can help you achieve the same results without the risk factors.

• Vitamin D comes in supplement form
We’ve heard so many people say they need to be in the sun to get that necessary vitamin D, but in reality, you can get a daily dose of this important vitamin in the form of supplements, all the while sparing your skin.

• Don’t let your medicine chest put you at greater risk
Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs have the potential to increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Be aware of what medicines you are taking and their side-effects. Watch your time in the sun depending on when you are taking them.
Early Detection

In addition to these preventative measures, it is also important to check your skin for anything that doesn’t seem right. Research has shown that patients are more likely to spot a melanoma on their own bodies. Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect in its early stages because the signs are visible on the skin.

Monthly self-exams should consist of looking over the entire body, including the back, scalp, soles of feet and palms of hands. Any changes in size, color, shape or texture of moles should always be noted and shared with a dermatologist. Annual check-ups with a dermatologist are also necessary to keep track of everything going on with your skin.

While the statistics might sound scary, there’s no need to live in fear about melanoma. Through education, awareness, prevention and early-detection, it is possible to have healthy glowing skin and the team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group is here answer your questions and give you peace of mind.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin on the road to better health!

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.