NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER

NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer is cancer that develops from damaged skin cells. The greatest risk factor for damage to skin cells is sun exposure. Sunlight contains ultraviolet light which in small doses (5-15 minutes a day), is good for us and leads to the production of vitamin D, but in large doses causes DNA damage to cells in the top layer of the skin, making them abnormal. Over time, if enough damage occurs, those abnormal cells divide rapidly and grow into a tumor, or a skin cancer.

More than 9,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily in the US, thus making prevention and early detection key.

THE MOST COMMON SKIN CANCERS

The three major types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common and together are referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Both types of skin cancer are on the rise, with about 5 million cases diagnosed every year. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and about 95% of these will be non-melanoma skin cancer.

For NMSCs, the most important risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light specifically from natural (the sun) or artificial (e.g., tanning beds) light sources. Luckily, most NMSCs can be cured with surgical destruction or removal in the office.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Basal cell carcinoma: This will usually occur on the sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the neck or face. They may appear as a pearly bump with blood vessels in it, a flat scar-like lesion, a non-healing sore, or a bleeding growth.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Most often, squamous cell carcinoma will also occur on the sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face and hands. However, darker skin individuals are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas of the skin that aren't often exposed to the sun. These lesions may appear as a scaly or crusted spot on the skin or a firm nodule.

PREVENTING SKIN CANCER

Although it is impossible to entirely prevent skin cancers, cultivating the right routine and lifestyle may lower your risk for skin cancers. The following can be incorporated into your lifestyle:

  • Use sunscreens with SPF of at least 30

  • Choose a sunscreen that says “broad-spectrum” on the bottle. This means it protects again both UVB and UVA irradiation.

  • Avoid excessive or unnecessary exposure to sunlight

  • Completely avoid tanning beds

  • Use at least 1 ounce (a shot glass) of sunscreen for the body of an adult and 2 fingerlengths of sunscreen for the face

  • Reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours while wet or sweating

  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat while outdoors

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are many treatment options for non-melanoma skin cancers. Treatment would depend on the tumor size, location, and type of skin cancer. However, excision/removal remains the most common treatment method. This is effective in treating small, low-risk tumors.

Other treatment options include:

·  Mohs micrographic surgery: mostly useful in treating large tumors or skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive areas like the ears or nose. It allows surgeons to ensure that the entire malignant tumor is removed.

·  Electrodesiccation and curettage: A curette, or a sharp round instrument, is used to scrape off the tumor and then the base of it is burned with an electrical current to destroy tissue. It is widely accepted for low-risk cases.

·  Cryosurgery: This technique uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tumor tissue. The frozen area typically blisters before healing in about four weeks.

·  Non-surgical options: topical chemotherapy creams or immune-modulators are also used for pre-cancers, superficial basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas in situ. Topical options have the benefit of less risk for scarring. However, they cannot be used for large or deep lesions.

·  Radiation: used on large tumors that cannot be completely treated with surgery.

SKIN CANCER SCREENING AND TREATMENT IN SUGAR LAND, TX

Early screening and detection improve the chance of successful treatment. This can be achieved by having regular skin examinations with a board-certified dermatologist.

Sweetwater Dermatology serves both men and women of all ages in Sugar Land, Texas. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Likhari, takes time to educate patients extensively on prevention via sun protection. She is thorough and proactive about treating pre-cancers before they turn into skin cancers.

To schedule your initial consultation, please call our office at 832-615-3201 or book online.