Most skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, face, ears, hands, forearms, shoulders, back, lower legs, and chests of men.
There are 5 different types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form, accounting for 90% of all skin cancers. It starts in the basal cells, at the bottom of the outer skin layer. This skin cancer is caused by long-term exposure to sunlight. It is the most easily treated.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It starts in the outer skin layer and eventually penetrates the underlying tissue if left untreated. It is easily treated when found early, but in a small percentage of cases, this cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
- Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it is responsible for the most deaths. However, it can be cured if it is diagnosed and removed early. Melanoma starts in moles or other growths on normal skin.
- Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is caused by a virus in the herpes family. This aggressive AIDS-related form affects about one-third of people with AIDS. A more slow-growing form occurs in elderly men of Italian or Jewish ancestry.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Basal cell carcinoma:
- Shiny bump that is pearly or translucent
- Flat, flesh-colored lesion appearing anywhere on the body
Squamous cell carcinoma:
- Hard, red nodule on face, lips, ears, neck, hands, arms
- Flat lesion with scaly surface
Melanoma:
- Change in color, size, shape or texture of a mole
- Skin lesion with irregular borders
- Growth of an existing skin lesion
- Large brown spot with darker speckles
- Hard, dome-shaped bumps anywhere on your body
Who Is Most At Risk?
People at risk for developing skin cancer may have the following conditions or characteristics:
- Fair skin
- Spend a lot of time outdoors in work or leisure activities
- History of sunburn
- Family history of skin cancer
- Many moles, freckles, or birthmarks
- Over age 40
- Large dark-colored birthmark, known as congenital melanocytic nevus
- Pre-cancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis
- HIV-positive. A specific risk for Kaposi sarcoma.
- Excessive sun exposure during childhood
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine your skin for new, changed, or unusual moles. If cancer is suspected, a a biopsy will be done. A biopsy can confirm whether or not you have skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
At Wake Forest Baptist, a team of cancer specialists will work together with you to provide the most advanced personalized treatment available.
Because of our multidisciplinary approach to treatment for all cancers, Wake Forest Baptist has been designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only 41 in the country.
Prevention
In most cases, you can prevent skin cancer. If you are at high risk, stay out of the sun. When you have to be in the sun, protect yourself by covering up, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply liberally. Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles. You should also have regular skin cancer screenings with your primary health care provider or dermatologist.
Treatment Plan
The primary goals of treatment are to remove the cancerous growth and stop the spread of the disease.
Drug Therapies
In cases where cancer is found only in the top layer of skin, you may receive topical creams or lotions containing chemotherapy drugs. Melanoma that is deep or has spread and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma may be treated with chemotherapy.
Surgical and Other Procedures
Most skin cancer can be surgically removed. Cryotherapy (freezing), topical chemotherapy, or radiation can also treat most skin cancer. If the cancer is on or close to the skin's surface, you may receive photodynamic therapy (laser).