Skin Cancer Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Prevention
- December 01, 2011
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- Internal Medicine Blog
By: Marina Bachurina, MD
Dr. Bachurina is a board certified internist at RWWC . Prior to her internal medicine residency at Drexel's Easton Hospital, she was a Dermatologist in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Skin Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer. It is usually caused by cumulative sun exposure. In its simplest form, the disease is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin diseases; it is not as common as other types of skin cancer, though the rate is increasing, especially in young people. People who are most at risk typically have fair skin, light eyes, light hair and a history of relatives diagnosed with Melanoma. Some common causes are living in sunny climates, spending a lot of time in strong sunlight, or having had one or more blistering sunburns during childhood. Another common cause is tanning. A weakened immune system, certain types of moles, or multiple birthmarks, can also be risk factors.
As a physician, I suggest checking your skin frequently, looking at the size, shape, color and texture of any suspicious areas. It is important to bring any changes or concerns to the attention of your physician. If a skin cancer diagnosis is suspected, a skin biopsy will be performed, and sent to the lab for further examination. Once melanoma has been diagnosed, CT scans or other types of x-ray tests may be done to see if the cancer has spread.
If you have had melanoma and recovered, it is very important to examine your body regularly for any unusual changes. Your risk for melanoma is increased once you have had this cancer. Melanoma may return years later.
For preventative measures, you should perform a self exam once a month, using a mirror to check hard-to-see places: call your physician at Rittenhouse Internal Medicine if you notice any changes. The American Cancer Society recommends professional skin examinations every year for people older than 40, and every 3 years for people 20 to 40. If you have a family history of melanoma, you will also need frequent skin exams. Most importantly, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to sunlight. When exposed, protect your skin with high-quality sunscreens, apply at least 30 min before exposure (even when going outdoors for a short period of time), use protective clothing and hats, and follow these guidelines in the winter too!
