Skin Cancer-From Prevention to Detection!
The Rundown on Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment
That radiant sunshine beaming down from the sky may be tempting, especially as you plan to venture outdoors to enjoy warmer weather and fresh air amid current stay-at-home mandates. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time for a refresher on how to practice sun safety and stay protected against the ultraviolet rays from the sun, which can cause skin cancer, the most common form of cancer among Americans.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. “Basal cell and squamous cell grow in the skin and can cause problems like bleeding and irritation,” says Tara Bronsnick, MD, a dermatologist at Summit Medical Group (SMG). “Melanoma, if not diagnosed early, can spread inside the body and can lead to death.”
Prevention and Detection
Unprotected UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. One way to reduce that risk is to avoid the peak hours of sun, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must be out during these times, seek shade, wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hat and garments with built-in SPF, and put on a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. You should reapply more often than you think, ideally every 60 to 90 minutes.
Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. For that reason, a yearly skin check by a board-certified dermatologist is advised. In between those yearly appointments, one way you can help lower your risk is to perform regular skin self-exams. It’s a good idea to get acquainted with any moles on your skin. “What I always tell people to look for is the ugly duckling,” Dr. Bronsnick says. “Something that looks or acts different than the rest of the spots you have is something that should convince you to see your dermatologist.”
For spotting melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, it’s helpful to know the ABCDE warning signs:
Asymmetry:two halves that don’t match
Border:irregular or uneven borders
Color:two or more colors within the same mole
Diameter:anything larger than the size of a pencil eraser
Evolving:a mole that’s new or changing
Dr. Bronsnick advises that if you notice any new spots on your skin, especially one of those “ugly ducklings,” or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding you should contact a dermatologist for a skin check.
SMG offers skin cancer screenings in-office from dermatologists who will check you from head to toe. A dermatologist can also examine a spot via telemedicineto determine if it needs to be biopsied or removed in the office. It’s advised to call your dermatologist to determine which type of visit will work best for you.
Telemedicine Tips
If telemedicine is best for you, prepare a list that includes:
· your current medications, allergies, and previous and current major illnesses or surgeries;
· previous skin conditions;
· family history of conditions such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease, and
· questions you have for the doctor.
In addition, The American Academy of Dermatology suggests taking pictures of troublesome spots to share with your dermatologist to review during the telemedicine visit.
Treatment for Skin Cancer
For those with skin cancer, SMG offers comprehensive treatments. One of those is Mohs surgery, a procedure that’s done in stages in order to be as precise as possible. After extracting the cancerous tissue, the surgeon takes it to the lab to be analyzed to make sure it’s all gone, then repeats the process if necessary.
“We often treat areas, such as the face, hands, and feet, where you want to preserve the most normal skin tissue,” says Hari Nadiminti, MD, a Mohs surgeon at SMG.
Coordinated care is beneficial in treating skin cancer. SMG’s Dermatology team coordinates with other departments, such as plastic surgery, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology, as needed.
“Fortunately, most skin cancers are caught in the early stage, but we do see a certain amount that are more advanced and require that multidisciplinary care,” Dr. Nadiminti says. “We have a very good team that works well together and manages patients to achieve the best outcomes.”
Learn more about early detection and skin cancer screening at smgcancer.com.