3/10/98
Nearly everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by some form of cancer. The mere mention of the word is frightening--yet there are many different forms of cancer, and some are readily cured when discovered early and treated promptly. Skin cancer is one form of this disease that can be cured. With over 850,000 Americans newly diagnosed with skin cancer each year, this is the most common form of the disease. It is estimated that 40-50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Fortunately, it is also the easiest cancer to detect.
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, accounting for more than 90% of all skin cancers in the United States. This slow-growing cancer develops in the skin cells just beneath the outer cells of the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, and seldom spreads to other parts of the body.
The second most common form of the disease is squamous cell carcinoma. The outer layer of the epidermis is comprised of squamous cells. Although this type of cancer also rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it is more likely to spread than basal-cell carcinoma.
A third type of skin cancer that can develop is melanoma, which begins in the deepest part of the epidermis in the cells that produce melanin (the skin pigment). This form of cancer is much less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. Like the other forms, if found early, melanoma is also easily cured. However, if not detected early or treated promptly, it can be very dangerous. Current projections are that over 38,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma and about 7300 will die from in annually. In part, this is because melanoma has a high possibility of spreading to other areas of the body, including vital organs.
Since pain is not a sign of skin cancer, the most common warning signal of skin cancer is a change on the skin, especially a sore that doesn’t heal or a new growth. Skin cancer takes a variety of forms; it can begin as a flat, red spot that is dry or scaly, or a firm red lump, or a small, shiny, smooth bump that may be pale or waxy. The lump might bleed or develop a crust, or it might not. That is why it is important for people to check their skin regularly for any changes. And because melanomas are linked to moles, people need to become familiar with the shape, color, and location of moles on their skin. If a change is detected, a doctor should be consulted immediately. (Moles are evenly colored, flat or raised, with a symmetrical shape and sharply defined borders. Melanomas have shades of color, irregular borders, do not have symmetrical shapes, and grow larger than moles.)
If a doctor determines treatment is necessary, three methods are commonly considered. Sometimes a combination of methods is employed.
Surgery is often the answer to remove cancers quickly and easily. Many times, the cancer is completely removed and no further treatment is necessary.
A second mode of treatment that might be prescribed is radiation, in which high energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. This option is frequently used for cancers that are in locations that are difficult to treat surgically.
A third method used to treat skin cancer is cryosurgery, which uses extreme cold to treat pre-cancerous skin conditions. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth to kill abnormal cells, which then fall off after the area thaws.
As with most diseases, certain people are at greater risk of developing skin cancer than others. People who sunburn easily, have fair skin, or have blond or red hair are more likely to get skin cancer than those with deep brown skin. However, anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun can get skin cancer. The best prevention methods include:
· staying out of the sun from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm;
· covering up; wear wide brimmed hats, long sleeves, and long pants in the sun;
· using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and reapply after swimming or sweating. (Use sunscreen even on cloudy days and in the winter-time.)
· Avoid sunlamps, tanning parlors, and tanning pills; they can be just as harmful as the sun.
And do not forget to check moles, spots, and birth marks monthly. Pay attention to changes in the skin, especially moles that change in size, shape or color. Take note of color changes in the skin, if there is an unusual growth, or if you have a sore that won’t heal.
To help in the prevention and detection of skin cancers, (and early detection), the Central Connecticut Health District is pleased to sponsor periodic free skin cancer screenings. Please check our programs listing for the next date that Dr. Albert Babcock, a plastic surgeon, will provide no-cost examinations for skin tumors.
Additional information on skin cancer is available at the Central Connecticut Health District, 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield.