Skin Cancer Treatment in Boise, ID and serving Meridian & Eagle, ID
Do you know how to spot skin cancer? In this video, the American Academy of Dermatology used an ultraviolet camera to show people the sun damage hidden underneath their skin. While you can’t see all the sun damage on your skin, it’s important to check the spots you can see – before it’s too late.
Everyone is at risk for skin cancer. How much do you know about skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma:
- These are the most common forms of skin cancer, and are collectively referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers.
- These arise within the top layer of the skin and can appear on any sun-exposed area of the body, but are most frequently found on the face, ears, bald scalp, and neck.
- Basal cell carcinoma frequently appears as a pearly bump, whereas squamous cell carcinoma often looks like a rough, red, scaly area, or an ulcerated bump that bleeds.
- Although non-melanoma skin cancer spreads slowly, if left untreated, it can lead to disfigurement.
- Researchers estimate that 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, were diagnosed in 3.3 million people in the United States in 2012.
- See a board-certified dermatologist if you spot anything changing, itching, or bleeding on your skin.
- When caught early and treated properly, skin cancer is highly curable.
Melanoma:
- This is the most deadly form of skin cancer.
- One American dies from melanoma every hour.
- Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or near an existing mole.
- It can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the upper back, torso, lower legs, head, and neck.
- Melanoma frequently spreads to lymph nodes and most internal organs, making early detection and treatment essential.
- See a board-certified dermatologist if you spot anything changing, itching, or bleeding on your skin.
- New, rapidly growing moles, or moles that itch, bleed, or change color are often early warning signs of melanoma and should be examined by a dermatologist.
- If detected early and treated properly, melanoma is highly treatable.
To help you spot skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone learn the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A is for Asymmetry : One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- B is for Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C is for Color that varies from one area to another.
- D is for Diameter : While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
- E is for Evolving : A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Causes of Skin Cancer
The most common cause of skin cancer is excessive, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light, usually from the sun. You can also develop skin cancer from skin contact with toxic substances or from having a chronic medical disease like HIV/AIDS.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Your risk of skin cancer increases if you:
- Have fair skin and freckles
- Have light eyes and hair
- Sunburn easily
- Have excessive sun exposure
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer signs may be subtle, and it’s helpful to know what to look for. You should look for moles that are:
- Large, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
- Irregularly shaped, with uneven borders
- Itching, oozing, or bleeding
- Growing back after previous removal
You should also look for scaly, red patches of skin that don’t resolve, or that are becoming larger, itchy, or painful.
Skin cancer screenings are recommended every 6 to 12 months, or monthly if you have a history of skin cancer. Screenings are critical to diagnose skin cancer early, so you can receive early treatment and the best outcome.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer
Diagnosis of skin cancer is typically done with a tissue biopsy. Your dermatologist will remove a small tissue sample and examine it for cancerous cells. Biopsy and treatment can be performed with Mohs surgery, which is a process of removing abnormal tissue layer-by-layer and examining each layer under a microscope until cancer-free layers are found. Other treatment options include cryosurgery, curettage and desiccation, radiation therapy, surgical excision, and chemotherapy.
How You Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer
Prevention is the key, so you need to protect your skin when you go out in the sun. Remember to:
- Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day
- Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 has a high risk of skin cancer
- Try to avoid being out in the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM, when UV rays are the most harmful
- Do a self-check of your skin regularly, looking for abnormal areas of skin
For more information about skin cancer prevention and detection, or to find a free skin cancer screening in your area, visit SPOTme.org.
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