Skin Cancers

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous skin condition affecting millions of people around the world. It appears as dry, scaly patches on the skin caused by sun damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, either from natural sunlight or from artificial sources such as tanning beds. AKs are most commonly found on areas of the body that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, scalp, ears, back of hands and arms. 

These patches may vary in shape and size and can range from a few millimeters to more than two centimeters. They may be red, pink or brown in color, and often have a rough texture that may feel like sandpaper. In some cases they can become itchy or tender to the touch.

AK is considered to be a potentially serious condition because it can develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), a form of skin cancer that affects more than 700,000 people each year in the United States alone. Regular checkups by a dermatologist are important for early detection and treatment of actinic keratoses before they become cancerous lesions. Treatment options include topical medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a form of skin cancer that develops on the outermost layer of the skin and usually appears as waxy, dome-shaped growths. This type of cancer occurs most often in people with fair skin, but it can occur in darker skin tones as well. BCC is the most common form of all types of skin cancer and usually begins in areas where the sun has frequently been exposed, such as the head, neck and arms.

BCC typically grows slowly over time and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Most cases can be treated with surgery or other treatments, such as radiation therapy, or cryotherapy, which freezes cancer cells with liquid nitrogen. In addition to surgery or radiation therapy, topical creams may also be used for smaller tumors that are not deeply rooted into the skin.

One key to preventing BCC is regular use of sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15 or higher when spending time outdoors. The use of protective clothing such as hats, long sleeve shirts and long pants is recommended for added protection from the sun’s rays. Additionally, avoiding long exposure to tanning beds is advised since they emit ultraviolet light which increases risk for developing BCC as well as other forms of skin cancer.

Dysplastic Nevus/Atypical Mole

A Dysplastic Nevus (also known as an Atypical Mole) is a type of mole that looks different than most. It usually appears larger, thicker and irregularly shaped with blurred borders. The color may vary from pink to dark brown or black and can even be a mixture of colors. Dysplastic nevi are often raised and can feel bumpy or velvety to the touch. In some cases, they may have hairs growing from them. 

Dysplastic nevi are more common in people with a higher risk for skin cancer. People who have dysplastic nevi should be monitored closely by their doctor for any changes, as these moles are more likely to turn into melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer). Depending on the size, shape, color and location of the dysplastic nevus, your doctor will determine whether it needs to be removed and sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is caused by an abnormal growth of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin. It is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, as it can spread quickly to other organs in the body. 

Malignant Melanoma typically appears as a mole-like lesion that has an irregular shape, is multicolored, or has uneven borders. It may also present as an area on the skin with a dark color, or even as a new mole that grows in size over time. Although these lesions can occur anywhere on the body, they are more commonly seen on areas often exposed to sunlight such as the face, chest, back, arms and legs.

There are several risk factors associated with developing Malignant Melanoma including having fair skin or light eyes; being exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure or tanning beds; having many moles or atypical moles; and having close family members who have had melanoma. 

Early detection and treatment are essential for successful outcomes when dealing with this type of cancer. Treatment often includes surgically removing the tumor and surrounding tissue, using chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy depending on how far advanced the disease is.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that affects the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells found in the epithelium. This type of skin cancer is more common in areas with greater exposure to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, and arms. It can also develop on mucous membranes such as those found in the mouth or throat. SCC can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals and ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds.

The most common symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include changes in skin color or texture such as redness, scaling, thickening of the skin, an open sore that will not heal within 6-8 weeks, or a wart-like growth that bleeds easily. Other lesser known signs can include pain or itching around the affected area and swelling in lymph nodes nearby.

If left untreated, SCC can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), becoming life-threatening if it reaches vital organs like the lungs or brain. Surgery is often used to remove any visible tumors or abnormal tissue; if necessary chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be employed as well. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving long term prognosis; regular check-ups and self-examinations are important for catching SCC at its earliest stages.