Do You Know Your Skin?

By S.K. Saini, MD

MD Dermatology & Laser Center

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Do You Know Your Skin?

Skin is the body's largest organ. It is estimated that over one million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year. Half of all Americans over of the age of 65 will develop skin cancer at least once and one American has died almost every hour in 2010 from melanoma. With these type of statistics, it is important to know the symptoms of skin cancer and the best early detection methods available.

The two most common forms of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomia and squamous cell carcinoma. However, melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread throughout the body quickly.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It can appear in many shapes and sizes that often look like small, dome-shaped, pimple-like growths. This cancer almost never spreads to other parts of the body, but it can grow and invade surrounding tissue. To make a proper diagnosis, your dermatologist will usually remove all or part of the growth and check it for cancerous cells.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It can present itself as red, crusted, scaly patches of skin, firm red bumps or lesions that will not heal. This cancer usually appears on sun-exposed areas like the head, neck, ear and arms. A proper diagnosis must also be confirmed by removal of the growth and having it checked for cancerous cells.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer as it is found in pigment cells and often on the surface of the skin. However, when left untreated and allowed to grow down into the skin and reach the blood, it can spread throughout the body and cause life-threatening illness. The good news is that it's curable if detected early. Removal of the abnormal skin and checking for cancerous cells is the best way to determine a proper diagnosis.

A common misconception is that a mole or discolored spot on your skin is not painful, so it must not be cancerous. Sometimes skin cancer is painful, but most often it is not. A change on the skin is the most common sign, but it is important to remember that not all skin cancers look the same. These are some common signs to look for

New moles, blemishes, colorations, or bumps

Moles that have changed in size, texture, color or shape

Moles or lesions that continue to bleed or won't heal

Moles with uneven edges or are a different color

Moles or growths which appear very different from other skin growths

It is recommended that over the age of 40 you have a yearly, full body skin exam to detect any abnormal skin growths or lesions that have not healed. However, if you have a family history of moles or skin cancer, you should see a dermatologist every 4-6 months. The best way to detect skin changes or suspicious growths that could develop into skin cancer is with consistent skin screenings performed by a qualified dermatologist. Early detection of suspicious skin changes may prevent the spread of skin cancer. A proper full body mapping and yearly measuring of all suspicious skin growths by your dermatologist is the most accurate way to detect skin cancer.