The ABC’s of Skin Cancer

A- Asymmetry: Normal moles or freckles are completely symmetrical. If you were to draw a line through a normal spot, you would have two symmetrical halves. In cases of skin cancer, spots will not look the same on both sides. B- Border: A mole or spot with blurry and/or jagged edges. C- Color: A mole that is more than one hue is suspicious and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Normal spots are usually one color. This can include lightening or darkening of the mole. D- Diameter: If it is larger than a pencil eraser (about 1/4 inch or 6mm), it needs to be examined by a doctor. This is includes areas that do not have any other abnormalities (color, border, asymmetry). E- Elevation: Elevation means the mole is raised above the surface and has an uneven surface.

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Skin canceris the most common cancer in the United States, with approximately one million new cases diagnosed each year. There are 3 different types of skin cancer that fall into two distinct groups. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of skin cancer cases, and squamous cell carcinoma accounts for most of the remaining cases. The third, and least common (although it is one of the most common cancers among young adults), is melanoma. Of the three skin cancer types, melanoma is the fastest-spreading and most serious.

The greatest risk factor for all types of skin cancer is continued exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from artificial sources, such as tanning beds. Other risk factors include pale skin and a family or personal history of skin cancer.

Because they behave differently, and are treated using different methods, the 3 types of skin cancer are divided into two categories: nonmelanomas and melanomas.

 

Basal cell carcinoma begins in the lowest part of the skin, called the basal cell layer, and generally is located in areas commonly exposed to the sun such as the head and neck. Of the 3 types of skin cancer, basal cell cancer spreads the slowest. However, if the disease is left untreated, it can spread into nearby areas.

Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the upper part of the skin (epidermis) and usually appears on the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. Squamous cell carcinoma spreads more quickly and further throughout the body than basal cell.

Symptoms of nonmelanoma types of skin cancer are any abnormal areas of skin, including new growth, a growing spot or bump, or a sore that doesn't heal within three months.

 

Melanoma is the most aggressive of the 3 types of skin cancer. It begins in the melanocytes, the skin's pigment-producing cells. Accordingly, most melanoma starts in the skin, although there are other, more rare types that develop in the eye and throughout the body - anywhere melanocytes are present. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can rapidly spread to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body.

Symptoms of melanoma include changes in size, shape, or color to a mole (a growth on the skin, usually tan, brown, or flesh-colored, containing a concentration of melanocytes) or pigmented area of skin.

 

 

Piped-in music, a cathedral ceiling, natural lighting along with state-of-the-art technology are just some of  the features found in Dr. McDonald’s beautiful surgical suite at the Indian River Skin & Cancer Center.