Examining the patient's skin with a dermatological lens

May is Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness Month, a good time to review some basic facts about skin cancer.  Although skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the U.S., many cases could be prevented with proper skin protection.  When found in the early stages, skin cancer is very treatable.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common type of skin cancer.  Often appears as a shiny raised spot that can be mistaken for a pimple, sore, or scar.  The slow growing spot doesn’t heal and sometimes bleeds.  May crust over.  Usually non-life-threatening.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma – lesions may look like rough, reddish scaly areas or an open sore.  May also resemble a wart or a brown age spot.  Slow growing and usually non-life threatening, but can grow deep and spread to other parts of the body.
  • Melanoma – the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer.  May resemble a mole that looks asymmetrical and has irregular borders.  May also be a new pigmented growth that may be brown, tan, black, red, or pink in color.  Spots can change as they grow and may itch, bleed, or feel painful.  Melanoma grows quickly and can spread to other organs.

Rare Types of Skin Cancer

  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma – More likely in people over age 50.  Is aggressive and can spread.
  • Sebaceous Carcinoma – Often begins as a tumor on the eyelid, but can develop in any sebaceous gland.  Is aggressive and may spread.
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans – May resemble a deep pimple or rough patch.  Begins in the middle layer of skin.  Slow growing and seldom spreads.

Protection and Prevention

Most skin cancer is preventable with proper protection.  When outdoors, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.  This provides protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.  Wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.  Avoid peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.  Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.  Avoid tanning beds, since they use UV light.

Rod MD Primary Care

Your primary care physician may be the first to notice potential skin cancers.  A patient may call a particular spot to the attention of their primary doctor during a routine physical exam.  The primary doctor will often refer the patient to a dermatologist for a follow up and biopsy.

The physicians at RMD Primary Care can perform in-office mole biopsies and excisions and send them to a lab for diagnosis.  We provide continuing and comprehensive medical care and preventive services.  Contact us to schedule an appointment.