There are very few words that cause as much fear or terror as the word “cancer”. Although many cancers are not terminal, when a person hears that they have cancer or that they are at risk for cancer, their thoughts immediately go to the worst case scenario.

With a lot of cancers, there are clear signs that a person has the disease. They might have tenderness in a part of their body, they might feel sick or they might see visible lumps or bumps. Unfortunately, these visible signs are not always present with skin cancer.

Skin cancer grows very slowly, and it does so without giving clear warning signs. For this reason, identifying it early and treating it when it is not life-threatening can be a challenge. Finding skin cancer early requires vigilance on your part as well as on the part of the medical professional. There are a few common things that you should look out for.

It is first important to identify the difference between melanoma skin cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma skin cancer is what people think about first when they consider skin cancer. This is because it is extremely aggressive, it can grow fast and it can spread from the skin to other organs in the body. Melanoma skin cancers can begin in a normal mole or they can start on skin free of moles. An acronym ABCDE is used to help identify moles that might be melanoma. A= asymmetric, B= irregular borders, C= dark black or varied colors, D= diameter greater than 6 mm or the size of a pencil eraser, E= elevation – if a mole grows rapidly in a vertical fashion and bleeds easily, it is likely a melanoma.

Non-melanoma cancers, on the other hand, are usually classified as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers. If caught in their early phases, they are generally considered to be relatively non-dangerous and can usually be treated with a simple surgery (either an excision or Mohs surgery if the cancer is on the face, neck or hands). Non-melanoma skin cancer is what you will most commonly see on the parts of your skin that have a lot of sun exposure. They are very common in fair-skinned individuals who have had extensive sun exposure during their lifetimes. It is very rare for this type of cancer to develop in covered places, such as the inside of your mouth.

It is important to examine your skin at least once a month. The skin of the human body is continually changing, and it replaces itself all the time. So, if you have a mark that suddenly appears on the skin or a mole that is growing or bleeding, call us at Torrey Pines Dermatology right away so we can examine it.

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms or just haven’t had your skin checked in a while, visit Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla. Our team is committed to helping patients in the San Diego and surrounding areas prevent skin cancer and catch those that have already developed early. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

Skin cancer is cancer that affects the body’s largest organ, the skin. There are three common types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. There are also a variety of less common, but dangerous skin cancers such as Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans and Atypical Fibroxanthoma. More than one out of every three new cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer. Skin cancer cases are rising every year and are not projected to slow down any time soon. It is important to be educated in the signs and symptoms of skin cancer and to see a dermatologist if you see any suspicious moles or spots on your body.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most frequently occurring form of skin cancer. They are found in the basal layer of the skin, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). They often look like open sores, irregular red patches, or shiny bumps. The main cause of BCCs is cumulative sun exposure and there also may be a genetic predisposition in some patients. People of all ages can be affected by BCC. They almost never spread past the original tumor size, but need to be removed as soon as confirmed by a biopsy. Over four million cases of BCC are diagnosed in the United States alone each year.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. These cancer cells are found in most layers of the skin’s epidermis. They commonly look like scaly red patches, open sores, or warts, and they may look crusty and can even bleed. This cancer is mainly caused by cumulative UV sun exposure, including tanning beds. If not treated immediately after detection, they can become disfiguring and even deadly. Over a million SCCs are diagnosed each year and an estimated 8,800 people are killed by the disease.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It is most often caused by UV exposure. The growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to the skin cells triggers mutations that lead the cells to multiply at a rapid pace and form malignant tumors. They most often resemble moles and can even develop from moles. The majority are black or brown, but can also vary in color. People who burn often when exposed to the sun are at an increased risk to develop this type of cancer. Melanoma kills about 10,000 people in the United States each year. In most cases, Melanoma can be removed by a doctor on an out-patient basis. If it has metastasized, however, chemotherapy and alternate treatment methods should be considered.

Can Skin Cancer be Prevented?

The risk for skin cancer can be prevented and even removed if proper precautions are used to protect the skin. Limiting sun exposure, never tanning in tanning beds, covering up while in the sun, wearing a wide brimmed hat, and daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen are the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer. Most of the damage the sun causes to skin is by completing daily activities such as driving to work, walking the dog, and getting the mail. Many people only remember sun protection when at the beach or spending the day outside, but it is just as important to remember sun screen and other protection techniques every day of the year, even if you’ll only be in the sun for a few minutes. It is also important to schedule an annual skin check with a dermatologist to be evaluated for suspicious spots and to detect skin cancer early.

Speak to one of our staff members at Torrey Pines Dermatology to find the best sunscreen for your activity level and skin type, and call our office today to schedule your annual skin check!

There are very few words that cause as much fear or terror as the word “cancer”. Although many cancers are not terminal, when a person hears that they have cancer or that they are at risk for cancer, their thoughts immediately go to the worst case scenario.

With a lot of cancers, there are clear signs that a person has the disease. They might have tenderness in a part of their body, they might feel sick or they might see visible lumps or bumps. Unfortunately, these visible signs are not always present with skin cancer.

Skin cancer grows very slowly, and it does so without giving clear warning signs. For this reason, identifying it early and treating it when it is not life-threatening can be a challenge. Finding skin cancer early requires vigilance on your part as well as on the part of the medical professional. There are a few common things that you should look out for.

It is first important to identify the difference between melanoma skin cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma skin cancer is what people think about first when they consider skin cancer. This is because it is extremely aggressive, it can grow fast and it can spread from the skin to other organs in the body. Melanoma skin cancers can begin in a normal mole or they can start on skin free of moles. An acronym ABCDE is used to help to identify moles that might be melanoma. A= asymmetric, B= irregular borders, C= dark black or varied colors, D= diameter greater than 6 mm or the size of a pencil eraser, E= elevation – if a mole grows rapidly in a vertical fashion and bleeds easily, it is likely a melanoma.

Non-melanoma cancer, on the other hand, are usually classified as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers. If caught in their early phases, they are generally considered to be relatively non-dangerous and can usually be treated with a simple surgery (either an excision or Mohs surgery if the cancer is on the face, neck or hands). Non-melanoma skin cancer is what you will most commonly see on the parts of your skin that have a lot of sun exposure. They are very common in fair-skinned individuals who have had extensive sun exposure during their lifetimes. It is very rare for this type of cancer to develop in covered places, such as the inside of your mouth.

It is important to examine your skin at least once a month. The skin of the human body is continually changing, and it replaces itself all the time. So if you have a mark that suddenly appears on the skin or a mole that is growing or bleeding, call us at Torrey Pines Dermatology right away so we can examine it.

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms or just haven’t had your skin checked in a while, visit Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla. Our team is committed to helping patients in the San Diego and surrounding areas prevent skin cancer and catch those that have already developed early. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

One of the most common forms of cancer is skin cancer. It is caused when changes occur in the skin cell’s DNA. These mutations cause the cells to produce rapidly and then form masses of cancerous cells. There are quite a few types of skin cancer that can be prevented. The more a person learns about skin cancer, the more likely they are to protect themselves and those they love.

Sun Exposure

Most people enjoy feeling the warm sun on their face and body. It feels good, and the way it tans a person’s skin makes them look good. Unfortunately, this love affair with the sun can cause early aging. Ultraviolet light from the sun damages elastin.

When the elastin in the skin begins to break down, it weakens the skin and causes it to stretch and sag. It causes the skin to take longer to heal and bruise more easily. Exposure to the sun can cause precancerous and cancerous skin lesions. These mutations occur in the skin cells’ DNA.

Sun exposure also causes fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, benign tumors, discolored areas of the skin and the dilation of blood vessels under the skin.

There are three main types of skin cancer. These include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. When non-melanoma skin cancers are treated early, they can be cured. Melanoma is the most serious form of cancer and even causes death. If it goes untreated, it can spread to other organs in the body.

Skin cancer is usually a result of ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun. However, the UV light that is used in tanning beds is just as harmful to the skin.

Other Causes and Risk Factors

There are many factors that increase a person’s chances of getting skin cancer. Other causes include exposure to radiation and substances like arsenic.

It is important for individuals to be aware of risk factors. For example, individuals who have fair skin and sunburn easily are much more likely to develop skin cancer than individuals who have dark skin and hair. If a person has had blistering sunburns in the past, particularly when they were a child or teenager, their risk of developing skin cancer increases.

Anyone who has spent a considerable amount of time in the sun or using tanning beds is at a higher risk. Having a lot of moles or abnormal moles increases a person’s chances since moles can become cancerous. It is important for individuals to monitor these moles for changes.

Learn All the Facts

When it comes to skin cancer, knowledge is power. This knowledge will enable you to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you have any concerns, would like a skin exam or have noticed changes in your skin, it is important to make an appointment as soon as possible with a medical professional at Torrey Pines Dermatology in La Jolla. We can evaluate your skin and help you determine an effective treatment option if one is needed. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.