We all love the feeling of the sun on our skin and maybe even a little bit of that golden tan. But then we’re reminded that somebody dies every hour in the U.S. from skin cancer. Most skin cancer cases are completely avoidable. Skin cancer is an epidemic problem.
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. It’s a common cancer that can form on any part of the body, but it often occurs on sun-exposed skin.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells over time, resulting in the growth of cancerous cells.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things can increase a person’s risk. Risk factors include having:
- lighter skin
- a history of sunburns
- a personal or family history of skin cancer
Skin cancer survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer. Some types of skin cancer are life-threatening when not treated early, while others have a low death rate.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer as it typically will spread to other areas of the body, including organs, if left untreated.
Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma, are generally considered less dangerous as they are less likely to spread and can usually be treated with surgery. It can occur anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun, like inside the mouth or the palms of the hands. Men are more likely to get melanomas on their back while women are more likely to experience them on their legs.
Melanoma begins in melanocyte cells. It occurs when those cells behave abnormally, growing excessively and taking over surrounding tissues. They can develop from existing moles or skin growths, but, more commonly, they will start as a new growth.
If your doctor suspects melanoma, a biopsy will be taken and your doctor may also check nearby lymph nodes. The samples are then sent for testing to confirm whether your spot is a melanoma.
Melanomas are graded according to how far they have spread throughout the body. Stage 0-II refers to early melanoma. Stage III melanoma (regional) has spread to nearby lymph nodes, skin or tissues. Stage IV melanoma (advanced, metastatic) has spread to other parts of the body.
Surgical treatments
Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. Some cancers are completely removed during the biopsy. If cancer cells are found at the margin, you may need further treatment. Large skin cancers may require a skin graft to cover the wound.
Most basic skin cancer surgeries can be performed by your doctor. When removing a suspected cancer, your doctor will also cut out some nearby skin (the margin) for testing. If they discover cancer cells in the margin, you may need further surgery or radiation therapy.
For cancers in areas hard to manage surgically (such as near the eyes, nose, lips or ears), a technique called Mohs surgery (microscopically controlled excision) may be used. Other surgical methods include curettage and electrodessication (cautery). These methods are usually performed by a dermatologist.
