Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a cancer that starts in the epidermis, the outer layer of your skin. The epidermis contains three main types of cells: squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. The location and cell type in which your cancer begins determines both its type and your treatment options.

Skin cancer develops when the DNA of skin cells mutate, causing these cells to multiply rapidly and form a tumor.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight as well as the ultraviolet emitting bulbs used in tanning beds are responsible for much of this DNA damage. Other factors may include exposure to toxic substances or having a medical condition that weakens your immune system.

Common risk factors for skin cancer include:

• Fair skin
• A history of sunburns
• Excessive sun exposure
• Sunny or high-altitude climates
• Numerous moles
• Precancerous skin lesions
• A family history of skin cancer
• A personal history of skin cancer
• A weakened immune system
• Exposure to radiation
• Exposure to toxic substances

There are three major types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC),
2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and
3. Melanoma.

Of these, basal and squamous cell cancers are the most common.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is primarily found on parts of the body exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. The development of basal cell carcinoma is strongly linked to UV exposure. While rarely fatal, basal cell carcinoma can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow.

Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes to other areas of the body. However, if left untreated, metastasis is possible.

Basal cell cancer typically appears as:

• A pearly or waxy bump
• A flat, flesh-colored “scar-like” lesion

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma typically occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears, neck, and hands. Caught early, it is almost always curable with surgery.

Squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize to other areas of the body if left untreated. Patients with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:

• A firm, red nodule
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface

Melanoma

Accounting for less than two percent of all skin cancer cases, melanoma is the third most common form of skin cancer, and the most serious. The clear majority of skin cancer fatalities arise from melanoma – the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that on average, one person dies of melanoma every hour.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body. People with darker skin types tend to develop melanoma on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails or toenails.

Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always curable with early detection and treatment. Left undetected and untreated, melanoma is much more likely to metastasize to other partsof the body, where it can be very difficult to treat.

Melanoma may appear as:

• A large brownish spot with darker speckles.
• A mole that changes in color, size, or feel or that bleeds.
• A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue, or blue-black.
• Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips, or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina, or anus.

If suspicious lesions are found on examination, a biopsy will be taken for pathology testing. Once your dermatologist reviews the pathology report and provides a diagnosis, the best treatment options will be discussed with you.

Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer Institute offers the Bryn Mawr, Newtown Square, and Philadelphia areas the safest and most advanced skin cancer treatments currently available. These include:

• Mohs surgery
• Excisional surgery
• Curettage
• Cryosurgery
• Prescription topical medications

If you think you have skin cancer, visit your dermatologist. Early intervention is the key to successful treatment.