Doctor, is it skin cancer? This may be a very important question to you, especially if you have fair skin and any history of sun exposure. My name is Randy Jacobs, I am your local dermatologist in Sun City, Temecula, and Corona. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in humans, far exceeding the number of other cancers. With a diminishing ozone layer, one in six Americans will get skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Many patients are amazed, "...Doctor, I can't understand! I haven't been in the sun for thirty years." The fact is, skin cancer may not occur until 10, 20, 30, 40 or more years after a sunburn. How can you tell if it's happened to you? Skin cancer usually begins as a small, non-healing spot on the skin. The spot does not hurt, but may itch or bleed. Most people do not see a doctor until the spot has grown into a larger tumor. Are you at risk for skin cancer? Finding out is easy to do. I have put together a simple skin cancer risk test for you.
Are you at risk for skin cancer? Should you be concerned? Finding out is easy to do. Here are six simple questions I often ask to determine if you are at risk for skin cancer.
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1. Do you have a painless, non-healing sore on your skin?
2. Do any of your relatives have a history of skin cancer?
3. Do you have a mole that has changed in color or size?
4. Do you have: blue, green, hazel, or light colored eyes?
5. Have you ever been sunburned?
6. Is your skin fair or light in color?
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If you answered "yes" to any of these: You are at risk! Is there skin cancer on your nose, ears, or face? Are you at risk! Visit your dermatologist and get checked! Always remember, prevention is the best medicine. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Here are my 10 helpful tips for sun protection:
1. Avoid the midday sun as much as possible.
2. Wear a hat and protective clothing.
3. Apply sunscreen frequently.
4. Wear sunglasses that block UV radiation.
5. Beware of photosensitive medications.
6. Beware of sunscreen allergies. Use a PABA free sunscreen.
7. Beware of reflective surfaces like water and snow.
8. Avoid tanning parlors.
9. Teach your children sun protection at an early age.
10. Watch for the National Weather Service UV Index.
Common Moles
Most people have a number of small colored spots on their bodies-moles, freckles, and birthmarks. The average young adult has at least twenty-five brown moles. A few of these spots are present at birth, while most others develop throughout life. Most moles are normal and will remain normal for life. However, a change in a mole or other spot on the skin may be the first sign of any early malignant melanoma or other form of skin cancer.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a serious skin cancer that arises in moles or in the tanning cells of the skin. In its early stages, when it can be easily treated, the disease is not life threatening. But in later stages, malignant melanoma spreads or metastasizes to other parts of the body. At this point, treatment is not always successful. People at high risk of developing melanoma are those who have:
- A family history of melanoma, or who have had a melanoma in the past.
- Unusual moles on the skin, or changing moles.
- Fair skin, light hair and eye color, who sunburn easy or tan with difficulty.
- A record of painful or blistering sunburns as children or teenagers.
- Indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits.
The ABCD's of Moles & Melanomas
Regular self-examination is the best way to become familiar with many moles and spots on the skin, including hard-to-see areas (mouth, back, scalp, buttocks, etc.). Common moles and malignant melanomas may or may not look alike. You should inspect your moles and pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges, and colors. A way to remember important suspicious features is to think of A-B-C and D for Asymmetry, Border, Color, and Diameter. Is it a melanoma? Ask A,B,C,D.
1. Is there a family history of melanoma?
2. Do family members have many moles?
3. Is there a history of a sunburned mole?
4. Are there symptoms? Is the mole:
Growing? Changing in Color?
Bleeding? Itching? Scaling?
Two ABCD's positive out of five may be a sign that your mole needs a biopsy.
