Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. More than one million Americans will develop a form of skin cancer each year. It is well established that over exposure to ultraviolet light, whether from the sun or from artificial sources, is the main cause of skin cancer. Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at highest risk for the development of skin cancer. The best way to prevent skin cancer is through sun avoidance, protective clothing and a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA rays.

The following sections detail the three most common types of skin cancer.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common of all skin cancers. It commonly occurs on sun-exposed skin. Although BCC is the least aggressive of the skin cancers and rarely spreads to other body areas, it can invade surrounding tissue and cause a great deal of destruction. Most BCC are caused by chronic excessive sun exposure, especially in fair skinned people.

Warning signs of BCC include an open sore that fails to heal in the usual period of time, a reddish or waxy patch that persists, a growth with an elevated border and a scar-like area.

Treatment options for BCC include surgical removal, Mohs microscopically controlled surgery, electrosurgery and radiation. Your dermatologist will help you choose the best treatment option depending on the size, location and subtype of BCC.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is found most commonly on areas exposed to the sun. SCC can be invasive and can spread to other areas of the body. If metastatic, SCC can be difficult to treat and can be fatal. Chronic sun exposure is the most common cause of SCC, especially in fair skinned, blue-eyed individuals.

Signs of SCC include a persistent scaly red patch or nodule, an elevated growth with a crusted center, or an open sore that may bleed.
Treatment options for SCC include surgical excision, Mohs microscopically controlled surgery, electrosurgery and radiation therapy. Your dermatologist will help you choose the best treatment option based on the size, location, depth of penetration and histologic subtype of SCC.

MALIGNANT MELANOMA

Malignant Melanoma (MM), although less common than the other two forms of skin cancer, accounts for the most skin cancer related deaths. MM is a serious form of skin cancer that arises from the cells that produce pigmentation in the skin. Melanoma can arise on any area of the body and is more common in people who have fair skin, light hair and light eye color. Persons with a family history of melanoma or a past history of melanoma are more at risk. Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer because of its tendency to metastasize to other body areas. MM, though easily cured if caught early, is very difficult to treat once it metastasizes.

Early recognition of melanoma is extremely important. MM can be recognized by remembering the ABCDE’s of malignant melanoma.

A = Asymmetry (One half does not match the other half)
B = Border Irregularity (The edges are uneven or jagged)
C = Color (black or varied shades of tan, brown or pink)
D = Diameter (greater than 6 mm, although MM can be smaller)
E = Evolving (a mole that changes over time)

Any irregularity in an existing or newly developed pigmented skin lesion could be melanoma and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Overexposure to sunlight and blistering sunburns are a major cause of melanoma. Prevention of melanoma is best accomplished by avoiding excessive sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and wearing a broad spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or greater. Self skin examination for any of the above changes is an important part of melanoma prevention.

Treatment of melanoma includes surgical excision or Mohs microscopically controlled surgery and chemotherapy for more advanced forms of disease. Consultation with a dermatologist will help you determine the most appropriate therapy.