Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer, although it is a preventable and curable form of cancer. The key is detecting it early and getting proper treatment right away. Affecting both men and women, melanoma’s ability to spread to other parts of the body makes it very dangerous. The good news is that melanoma treatment can be highly successful if the cancer is diagnosed in its early stages.
Candidates Any person no matter their age, gender or race can develop melanoma. There are certain risk factors however that increase one’s risk for this type of cancer. Fair-skinned people, those who have many moles, or those who have extensive sun exposure are all at higher risk. Melanoma in the back and neck are especially common for people in these categories. Dark skinned people are at lower risk, although may develop melanoma in area like palms, foot soles, or under the nails. Additional risk factors include tanning bed use, a significant history of sunburns, or a family history of melanoma.
Self-examination A great way to monitor your health is to perform regular checks of your own skin. Being familiar with your moles, freckles, lesions or other skin blemishes is helpful in recognizing changes to your skin. Monthly skin self-examinations are ideal and should be performed in front of a mirror in a lighted area. Examine all parts of your body and enlist the help of family or friends to look at hidden areas. If you notice any new or changing spots, schedule an appointment to be seen soon by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Raskin in Bakersfield.
The ABCDE Method A common method in dermatology for detecting melanoma is referred to as the ABCDE method. This means monitoring skin lesions for the characteristics of asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving (changes in shape, color or size).
Doctor examination Regular skin checkups by a qualified dermatologist such as Dr. Bernard Raskin can make a big difference in detecting melanoma early. These exams are very important for those at higher risk for the disease, but everyone should get annual skin checkups for ideal care. If your physician is concerned about a mole or other spot, a biopsy may be performed in which a small piece of the lesion is removed and sent to a lab for examination. If further testing or treatment is advised, you will have the best chances for full recovery by catching melanoma early and treating it correctly.
Skin damage from sun exposure has gotten a lot of attention over the years because of its impacts on the risk of skin cancer. Although some types of skin cancer are hereditary, many can be avoided by taking smart preventative measures.
What is skin cancer? Abnormal skin cells are at the root of skin cancer. If the DNA of skin cells becomes damaged, skin cancer may occur. It is the most common type of cancer in the United States and affects all types of skim pigmentations. It does not just affect skin that is exposed to the sun, but less obvious skin like the palms can also be affected by skin cancer.
Who can get skin cancer? No one is completely immune to skin cancer, but those with increased risk for the disease include those with:
Chronic sun exposure
Fair skin
Tanning bed use
Severe sunburns
Family history of skin cancer
History of radiation therapy
Immune-suppressing drugs
What are the different types? There are two primary types of skin cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma cancers may be:
Basal cell carcinoma found in the outer layer of skin. This is the most common type of skin cancer and does not typically spread throughout the body. It may appear as pink or red areas, open sores, or smooth bumps on the skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type, impacts the squamous cells in the top layers of skin. These growths are often raised and crusty, sometimes bleeding as with open sores.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, killing more than 10,000 Americans every year. It can develop from an existing mole or it can simply look like a mole. The key is to keep an eye out for a mole or freckle that looks unusual. Physicians recommend focusing on the spot’s asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and how it evolves or changes in appearance. Anything out of the ordinary in these categories should be evaluated by a qualified dermatologist such as Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield.
Can skin cancer be prevented? There are ways to help prevent skin cancer. The first is to consistently use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It should be approved for UVA and UVB rays and applied on all areas of the body exposed to sunlight. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and always after swimming or sweating. Another tip is to avoid UV radiation, which means staying in the shade and avoiding direct sunlight during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also cover your arms, legs, and face to protect your skin. Tanning beds should be avoided completely because they emit about 12 times more UVA ray than actual sunshine. Finally, perform regular skin self-examinations monthly to check for differences in your skin. Look for new or changed spots and areas that itch or bleed. If you are concerned about any suspicious lesions, consult with our dermatologist to make sure you are safe from skin cancer.
One of the most common types of cancer is skin cancer, but the good news is that it has a high cure rate when it is diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Most skin cancers are related to having too much sun exposure through the years. Regular appointments with a qualified dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield for routine skin checkups are a great way to recognize the symptoms of skin cancer.
Types of skin cancer Two highly curable forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These often slow-growing cancers are located at either the basal or squamous skin layers near the top of the skin and are usually easily treated when found early. Melanoma is another type of skin cancer that is luckily less common, but more aggressive and sometimes deadly if it spreads through the body.
Symptoms of skin cancer The primary symptom of skin cancer is a growth, mole, bump, or rough skin patch that is new or changes. It is important to remember that not all skin cancers look the same, so paying attention to your skin and raising any concerns to your physician are vital for good health. Some things to watch for in moles especially are these elements:
Asymmetry: each side of the mole should match the other
Border: the edges of the mole should not be jagged or blurry
Color: the mole should not change color
Diameter: the mole should remain less than ¼ inch in diameter
Evolving: the mole should not look different than the others or begin to change
Additional symptoms of skin cancer can be moles that bleed or itch, lesions that do not heal properly, skin areas that change in color, fast-growing moles, or crusty skin growths. Look for skin cancers on areas of the body most often exposed to sunlight, although some cancers develop anywhere on the body even parts not commonly in the sun like the palms of the hands. Also, moles may grow anywhere on the body so that is another reason a dermatologist should perform regular skin checks for you.
After a skin cancer diagnosis Noticing the symptoms of skin cancer means a much greater chance of early treatment. This might include removing the tissue during a minor procedure, which sometimes is the only treatment necessary. More advanced cases may require further treatment, but Dr. Bernard Raskin is here to help you with any stage of skin cancer and get you on the path to regaining your full health.
If you live in the Bakersfield area and have concerns about any suspicious marks on your skin, schedule an appointment today for a skin cancer screening.
If you are used to having regular medical checkups for your general health, teeth or eyes, then you already understand the importance of regular medical care. Your skin should be no different, because skin cancer is the number one type of cancer in the United States. When it is caught early, most skin cancer is treatable. Make annual skin cancer checkups part of your routine by scheduling an appointment with a reputable dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield.
Purpose The goal of a skin cancer check is to thoroughly examine your whole body to look for suspicious areas. From head to toe, your physician will closely inspect your body for changes in how your skin normally looks. This may mean new growths, changes in moles, rashes and more. The three primary types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The signs and symptoms of each vary, but Dr. Bernard Raskin knows how to identify each and suggest the best treatment.
Frequency Everyone should get annual skin cancer checks, but they are especially important for patients with the following histories:
Personal history of any type of skin cancer
Close relatives with history of skin cancer
Skin growths or suspicious areas
Large number of moles
History of atypical moles
History of sunburns or tanning bed use
Lifestyle with sun exposure
Organ transplant recipient
Process Before you go to your appointment, check your own skin first so you are prepared to ask questions about any concerning areas you might see. A typical skin cancer check takes about 20 minutes, with the physician visually looking at your skin and possibly using tools like a bright light or dermatoscope to magnify skin lesions.
Outcomes If precancerous or cancerous spots are detected, the dermatologist will usually take a photograph for your chart. A biopsy may be performed, which involves taking a small sample of tissue that will be viewed under a microscope. If anything concerning is identified, you will be contacted about further steps. If nothing is detected, you can rest easy that you have made the ideal choice for your health and plan to repeat the process in a year.
