Normally, the cells in the skin grow old and are replaced with new skin cells. However, due to overexposure to ultraviolet light, cells divide quickly and produce a growth of abnormal cells that may be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous.
Fortunately, when identified and treated early, most cases are successful in treating skin cancer. Knowing what to look out for makes all the difference in preventing and identifying skin cancer.
Check out the following information on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from skin cancer.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer primarily develops on skin often overexposed by the sun, such as the face, neck, chest, and arms. The most common warning sign for skin cancer is a change in the skin, such as a new mole, a pearly or waxy bump, a growth of lesions, or flat pink or brown patches of skin. Sores that don’t heal or look crusty and have a depression in the middle can also be a sign of skin cancer.
It can affect people of all kinds of skin tones – in fact, skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. While anyone can get skin cancer, people who have an increased risk usually:
- Live in a high-altitude climate
- Have many moles or irregularly shaped moles
- Have a history of working or playing under the sun for a considerably long time
- Have fair skin and get easily sunburned or have a history of getting sunburns
- Have exposure to radiation due to medical treatment
- Have a history of skin cancer in the family
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma – This skin cancer type develops in the basal cells of the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – Develops in the squamous cells in the epidermis.
- Melanoma – Develops in the melanocytes that produce melanin, which protects the skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Some of the less common forms of skin cancer include Kaposi sarcoma, which develops cancer in the skin’s blood vessels, and Merkel cell carcinoma, which develops in the scalp and the hair follicles. Sebaceous cell carcinoma forms in the oil glands of the skin. On the other hand, Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), is a rare type of skin cancer that develops in the dermis, or the skin’s middle layer.
Early Detection for Skin Cancer
Early detection is essential in successful treatment of skin cancer. Examine your skin often for new skin growths and changes in existing birthmarks, freckles, and moles. With the use of mirrors or the help of a loved one, check for skin changes in every part of your body.
If you are at risk for skin cancer, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider or an annual skin review with a dermatologist can help you monitor any changes in your skin.
If your doctor raises concerns about any suspicious or sudden skin growth and suspects skin cancer, they may perform a biopsy. This involves the removal of a sample tissue and sending it to a laboratory for further examination. Your skin doctor will contact you whether it’s skin cancer and discuss your treatment options.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
There are many ways to prevent skin cancer. Protecting yourself from overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can be possible through these steps:
- Wear sunscreen regularly and year-round. Apply a broad-ranged sunscreen with a skin protection factor of 30 or higher generously on your skin 30 minutes before you go outside. Apply more frequently when you are swimming or sweating. You should also apply a lip balm along with your sunscreen.
- Wear protective clothing. When you are regularly exposed to the sun, choose to wear UV-protective or photoprotective clothing. Generally, this includes sunglasses, broad-rimmed hats, and dark-colored tightly-woven shirts and pants that cover your entire arms and legs.
- Take note of sun-sensitizing medication. Some over-the-counter medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for any side effects before taking any new medications.
- Refrain from using tanning beds. Tanning beds use UV lights, which can increase your risk for skin cancer.
- Regularly check your skin. You can make an appointment for a full-body skin scan with your dermatologist to check for any new skin developments.
Reliable Skin Doctor in Miami, FL
Most skin cancer cases are preventable and treatable when caught early. The earlier it’s removed, the better your chances for a successful treatment. It’s important to continually see your dermatologist for check-ups and to immediately raise your concern to them when you see any concerning signs of skin cancer on your or your loved one’s skin.
Skin cancer prevention and early detection are made accessible at the Children’s Skin Center. We provide quality pediatric and adult dermatology services for residents living in Miami and Coral Gables, Florida. We perform minor procedures, including biopsies, and a wide range of dermatology services for you and your entire family. Our skin doctors also offer regular skin cancer screenings to help in monitoring any skin changes.
If you or a loved one have concerns or questions regarding skin cancer, you can reach our friendly administrative staff by calling or texting (305) 669-6555.
We look forward to serving you!