Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. In fact, many Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. 

Understanding the different types of skin cancer and recognizing early warning signs are essential steps in protecting your health. Early detection and diagnosis can save lives.

Types of Skin Cancer

• There are four types of skin cancer:
• Actinic keratosis: Also called solar keratosis, this is a precancerous condition that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. It often appears as rough, red or brown scaly patches on the skin. They are often easier to feel than seen. Like skin cancer, it is usually found on sun-exposed areas of the body, but it can be found on other parts as well.
• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, this type often looks like a small pink bump or patch on the head or neck, although it may be found on any part of the body. If untreated, it will ulcerate, bleed or crust over. Basal cell cancer grows slowly,  does not usually spread to other parts of the body. However, it can spread to nearby areas and invade bone and other tissues under the skin if not treated. A person who develops basal cell cancer is at risk of developing the cancer again either in the same place or elsewhere on the body.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of cancer can look like basal cell carcinoma but it is usually more scaly and rougher. It often develops on the head, neck, ears, lips, arms, and hands. It may be more aggressive and is more likely to grow deep below the skin and spread to distant parts of the body. If treated early, however, this type of cancer is potentially curable. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in organ transplant recipients.
• Malignant melanoma: Less common but more dangerous, melanoma usually appears as an irregular, multicolored spot or mole that changes over time. In men, it appears most frequently on the trunk; in women, it frequently appears on the legs. Although rare in African Americans, melanoma appears most frequently on the palms, the soles of the feet and under the nails. If caught early, melanoma is potentially curable.

Skin Cancer Risks

You are considered high risk for skin cancer if you have one or more of the following:

• Red hair and freckling
• Albinism (little or no pigment in your eyes, skin or hair)
• More than 50 moles
• A family history of melanoma
• Genetic syndromes associated with increased sun sensitivity
• Exposure to a large amount of natural sunlight (e.g. construction workers, farmers and sunbathers)
• A history of using tanning beds or sun lamps
• A history of blistering sunburn(s)
• A personal history of pre-cancers, such as dysplastic nevi (abnormal moles) or actinic keratosis
• A personal history of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer
• Prior radiation therapy
• Immunosuppressive therapy, especially after an organ transplant

Skin Cancer Screening Guidelines

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper recommends skin cancer screening based on your personal risk. If you are at low risk of skin cancer, perform regular self-checks and pay attention to any changes in your skin. If you are at a higher risk of skin cancer, schedule a complete skin evaluation with your health care provider every year and pay close attention to your skin. 

Contact your health care provider if your notice:

• A suspicious spot or growth
• A sore that does not heal
• A change in a mole or freckle

How Do I Check My Skin?

To check your skin, find a well-lit, private area with a hand-held mirror and fully undress. 

• Start with your head, scalp and face. Continue in an orderly fashion down the entire length of your body, both front and back. A friend can help you examine your back and scalp.
• Bend your elbows and look carefully at your palms, forearms, including the undersides, and the upper arms.
• Examine the back and front of your legs. Also look between your buttocks and around your genital area.
• Sit and closely examine your feet, including the soles and the spaces between the toes.
   

When checking your skin, remember the ABCDEFs of moles:

• Asymmetry: Does half of the mole (or other pigmented skin spot) look different from the other half?
• Border: Is the border of the mole irregular or ill defined?
• Color: Is the color uneven (shades of one or more colors) or has it changed over time?
• Diameter: Is the mole larger than a pencil eraser?
• Elevation: Has the surface of the mole changed? If it was smooth and flat before, is it now elevated (raised)?
• Bleeling: Has the sensation (feeling) around the mole changed? Does it itch? Is it painful?

If you notice any changes or unusual moles, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.

Skin Cancer Prevention

There are several ways to prevent skin cancer. These include:

• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply a sunscreen as part of your daily routine. Do so generously for maximum protection, especially on body parts easily overlooked (e.g. lips, tops of ears, head, back of neck and hands, and feet).
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun.
• Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirt and pants, and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Avoid reflective surfaces like water, sand, snow, and concrete.
• Stay in the shade.
• Take steps to protect your skin even on cloudy days – you can still get burned.
• Don’t use sunlamps or tanning beds.