What is skin cancer?
Skin cancers are abnormal, out-of-control growth of the cells of the epidermis and dermis, the different layers of the skin. These growths are usually the result of DNA damage from ultraviolet light exposure from the sun. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
What do you need to know?
- Skin cancer is incredibly common; in fact, it is the most common type of cancer in the US and worldwide.
- 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your lifetime risk from melanoma.
- When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
Who is at risk?
While anyone is at risk for skin cancer, the highest risk individuals are those with very fair skin, indoor tanning bed users, patients who have spent a significant amount of time in the sun, and those with a history of severe, blistering sunburns. Organ transplant recipients, individuals on medications that suppress the immune system, and persons with a history of radiation treatment also have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
What to expect at your dermatology appointment
At your appointment, you will show our dermatologists the areas of concern or you may be scheduled for a full-body skin check. Our doctors perform detailed skin exams, at times using dermatoscopes and other diagnostic aids, and will biopsy lesions of concern. While many irregularities in the skin are benign, the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist can help to identify those lesions that may be cancer. Because early detection is highly important, seeking dermatologic care should be your next step after self-examination.
If you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer and need help arranging or coordinating your treatment, please contact our clinic (link to Practice Location) as soon as possible. Special priority is given to referred patients with a known or suspected diagnosis of skin cancer.
