Skin Cancer

Doctor Examining a spot on a patients back with a magnifying glass

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with more new cases occurring than combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer each year. Every year, more than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, and many of these cases could be prevented by protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color, and it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. With early detection, skin cancer is highly treatable.

 What does skin cancer look like?

 Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer.
BCCs frequently develop in people who have fair skin, yet can develop in people with darker skin.
BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.
BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.
BCC are common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.
Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC are important. BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer.
People who have light skin are most likely to develop SCC, but they can develop in people with darker skin.
SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then reopens.
SCC tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. SCC can grow deep into the skin and cause damage and disfigurement. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop
SCC from spreading to other areas of the body.

 Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find an early melanoma.

A: Asymmetry

A benign mole is not asymmetrical. If you draw an imaginary line through your mole and the two halves do not match, this could be a warning sign for melanoma.

B: Border

A benign mole has smooth, even borders, unlike melanomas. The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped, notched, or irregular.

C: Color

Most benign moles are all one color, often a single shade of brown. Having a variety of colors is another warning sign for melanoma. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, white or blue.

D: Diameter 

Benign moles usually have a smaller diameter than malignant ones. Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than a pencil eraser tip (6mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.

E: Evolving 

Common, benign moles look the same over time. Be on the alert when a mole starts to evolve or change in any way. If you are concerned your mole is changing, please schedule an appointment to come see us right away for a skin check. Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting can point to danger and should be taken seriously.

What are some skin cancer prevention tips?

Do Not Burn.

Overexposure to the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds.

UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.

Use Sunscreen.

Generously apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

Cover Up.

Wear sun-protective clothing (labeled with a UPF rating) such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection. Even when you are driving in the car it is important to keep the backs of your hands and arms protected with sun sleeves and sun gloves.

Seek Shade.

Seek shade when the sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Watch for the UV Index.

Pay attention to the UV Index when planning outdoor activities to prevent overexposure to the sun.

If you have any questions about a recent diagnosis of skin cancer or are concerned about a spot you currently have, please don’t hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment.

Skin Cancer Screening

Getting screened for skin cancer is now more important than ever. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, with 3.5 million new cases being diagnosed every year; 80% of these skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas, 16% are squamous cell carcinomas and 4% are melanomas. 1 in every 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Therefore, it is important to have a full body skin examination performed by a dermatology certified provider every year to screen for skin cancers.

Skin Cancer Screening with a Dermatology Certified Provider

Biltmore Dermatology has a dermatology certified provider who has specialized training that includes the diagnosis and management of skin cancers. When you are seen for a complete skin exam, you will be offered a gown to change into, expect a thorough head-to-toe skin examination, including a review of your medical history. This is a good time to ask about any spots you are worried about and discuss them.

What happens if something abnormal is suspected?

When you come for your exam, you should be prepared for the possibility of a biopsy that day. In case you have never had a biopsy, it is a quick and simple procedure. We use local anesthetic and take a small tissue sample, which we then send out to have analyzed under a microscope by a board certified dermatopathologist. The purpose of the biopsy is to diagnose the condition, not treat it, so once the biopsy site heals if the biopsy revealed skin cancer, the remainder of the growth will be removed with an excisional procedure. This option will be discussed only if necessary.

Is there anything else I can do to help?

Yes! You can wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily and stay up to date on your full body skin exams.

If you have a history of skin cancer or numerous moles, it is important to see us for regular skin examinations at intervals ranging from three months to annually.

Your provider at Biltmore Dermatology can educate you about what to look for, such as any changes in the size, color, borders, or shape of a mole.