1. What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a malignant condition caused by uncontrolled growth
of cells in one of the layers of the skin.
2. What causes skin
cancer?
Prolonged and/or intermittent overexposure to ultraviolet radiation
from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. Ninety percent
of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are unprotected
by clothing, and in individuals who spend long hours in the sun.
Less common causes include overexposure to x-rays or certain chemical
carcinogens such as arsenic.
3. Are all skin cancers
alike?
No, there are several different kinds of skin cancer. The three
most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous
cell carcinoma, and the most serious, malignant melanoma.
4. What’s the
most common form of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form. It’s estimated
to affect at least 800,000 people each year, many of them older
Americans. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form
of skin cancer. It’s estimated to affect at least 200,000
people each year.
5. What’s the
most serious form of skin cancer?
Malignant melanoma can be fatal. If untreated, it can spread throughout
the entire body. It’s estimated that in 1998, malignant melanoma
affected at least 41,600 people and caused 7,300 deaths. Malignant
melanoma is responsible for 70 percent of all skin cancer deaths.
Another 1,900 deaths will be caused annually by non-melanoma skin
cancers.
6. How many people get
skin cancer?
Over 1 million Americans get skin cancer each year, making it the
most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one in
six Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in his/her lifetime.
7. Who gets skin cancer?
Skin cancer can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk
than others. Individuals who:
- have fair skin and sunburn easily;
- work outdoors and are exposed to considerable
sunlight;
- have had severe childhood or adolescent sunburns;
- have a higher-than-average number of moles;
- have many atypical moles or dysplastic nevi (unusual
moles);
- have genetic diseases characterized by sunlight
intolerance (such as albinism);
- live in the South and Southwest where the sun’s
rays are most intense
- have a family history of skin cancer
- are at increased risk of skin cancers.
8. Can skin cancer be
prevented?
Yes. Experts believe that approximately eighty percent of all skin
cancers can be prevented if simple precautions against the sun’s
ultraviolet radiation are taken.
9. Can skin cancer be
cured?
Yes, when detected and treated early, most skin cancers can be successfully
treated and often cured. Dermatologists recommend regular skin self-examinations
and physical examinations, especially for persons in high-risk groups,
to detect changes to existing moles and blemishes.
10. How are skin cancers
treated?
A variety of effective treatment options are available, including:
Excisional surgery: A physician removes the entire growth and a
small border of normal skin.
- Electrodesiccation: Cancerous tissue is destroyed
by a high frequency current applied through a needle electrode.
- Laser Surgery: The cancerous tissue is vaporized
by a laser beam.
- Mohs surgery: Thin layers of cancerous tissue
are removed and examined under a microscope to make sure that
all malignant cells are removed.
- Cryosurgery: Cancerous tissue is destroyed
by the applications of intensely cold liquid nitrogen.
- Radiation therapy: High energy x-rays or another
source of ionizing radiation are directed at the cancer site to
destroy the malignant tissue.
- Topical chemotherapy: Creams, ointments, or
lotions containing the anti-cancer agent 5-fluorouracil are applied
directly to the skin. This therapy is useful in treating pre-cancerous
lesions.
11. How do I recognize
the signs of skin cancer?
Skin cancer, especially in the early stages, may not look like a
growth; it can appear as a discoloration of the skin. For this reason,
you should not ignore any unusual or persistent skin condition.
Pay particular attention to any changes in the size, color, shape
or thickness of pre-existing moles, new moles or growths. Learn
the signs of skin cancer, and make it a habit to inspect your skin
periodically for any new growths or changes and for any alterations
in old growths.
The best protection is to take nothing for granted.
If you have the slightest doubt, see your doctor or dermatologist.
12. How do I prevent
skin cancer?
If you are fair-skinned, or if you have relatives who have had skin
cancer, avoid unnecessary sun exposure. If you spend time in the
sun, be especially careful to cover up whenever possible. Wear protective
clothing with a tight weave, long-sleeved shirts, and wide brimmed
hats to help reduce the penetration of ultraviolet rays. Avoid direct
exposure between 10AM and 4PM when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Infants should always be kept out of the sun, and young children
should be taught sun protection at the earliest possible age. Use
a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. |
