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Although only about one thousand to two thousand people a year die from basal and squamous cell carcinomas, these kinds of skin cancers are becoming more common. They can also be disfiguring even if they don’t spread. About 90 percent of these cancers typically appear on the head and neck. However, more and more cases are appearing on other parts of the body, probably reflecting the effects of excessive exposure to the sun.
Seniors who have spent a great deal of time outdoors are most at risk and are advised to visit a dermatologist regularly to have their skin checked thoroughly. Information provided by noted Dermatologist Charles Zugerman MD.
The most common skin cancer that a dermatologist sees is a basal cell carcinoma usually caused by previous exposure to sunlight. These cancers often occur in light skinned individuals over the face, hands, back and chest. The basal cell may present as an open sore, a reddish patch, a pink growth with elevated rolled borders, a shiny bump or nodule often pink and translucent, or a white yellow scar-like area. This spot usually is present for greater than one month and may bleed spontaneously. Although it may enlarge locally and possibly cause local damage, it does not usually metastasize or go internally.
The second most common skin cancer is the squamous cell carcinoma. This too is commonly caused by chronic sun exposure and is found in the same patients that get basal cell carcinomas and in approximately the same locations. The squamous cell carcinoma may be preceded by a rough scaly raised growth often red in color called an actinic or solar keratosis. Squamous cell carcinomas may be quite painful and may present as a persistent scaly patch, an elevated growth with a central depression, a wart-like growth or an open sore. Like the basal cell carcinoma, the squamous cell carcinoma causes local damage but is more likely to go internally.
The third most common and yet most dangerous skin cancer is called malignant melanoma. In its advanced state it can cause significant illness or death. It can occur anywhere on the body including areas that are never sun exposed. Melanomas may also be derived either from normal or atypical moles or from normal skin. Using either ordinary magnification or a specialized instrument called a dermatoscope, dermatologists look for five features as a diagnostic guide. These features are: Asymmetry, B. Border irregularities, C. Color abnormalities,(reds, whites, blues, or black), D. diameter and E. evolving or changing lesions. If you notice any of these changes, see your dermatologist or general physician as soon as possible.
Avoidance
We all know to wear a hat, use 30 or higher SPF sun screens and trying to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10AM and 4PM are helpful. What many do not know is that they may be medically sensitive to the sun and exposure to ultraviolet radition's short wavelength, known as UVB rays has been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer. Patients who are taking certain kinds of drugs are more likely to damage their skin and possibly be more likely to get a skin cancer. Anti-inflamitory drugs like naproxen fall into this group as do some diuretic blood pressure medications.
Best solution is to check with your physicain.
Skin Aging
There is substantial evidence that longer wavelengths (UVA rays) can penetrate the skin and damge tissue at deeper levels leading to premature aging.
Finally, the following websites are particularly helpful with photographs and with additional information:
Remember that your dermatologist is a particularly important resource.
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