The Importance of Skin Cancer Screenings

Tag Archives: Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer ScreeningSkin cancer is the most common cancer, as an estimated one in five Americans will develop some form of it in their lifetime. Now, a recent study from the Prevent Cancer Foundation found that most people are not staying up to date with their routine screenings. This finding is even more concerning considering melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, is almost 100% curable if caught in the early stages.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Increased Risk Factors

  • Fair skin
  • Natural blonde or red hair
  • More than 50 moles
  • Family history of melanoma

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

  • Stay in the shade when possible
  • Wear sun-protection (UPF) clothing
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Regular skin cancer examination by a dermatology professional

When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is the best prevention. To schedule a skin cancer examination at Lisa S. Ball, NP in Buffalo, NY, contact our office today.

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

Working in dermatology for over 10 years, I know the significance of an annual skin cancer examination. But recently, I had my first at our office with Nurse Practitioner Lisa Ball (PhD, FNP-BC). Before that, I would usually just get a specific mole checked out, never a full-body exam. And I have to say, I don’t know why I waited so long.

The visit began with Lisa’s assistant Vicki gathering my medical history. From there, she then asked my reason for coming in. I explained to her that after a recent visit with my primary doctor, he recommended that I get my moles checked out. After finishing with my history, Vicki then gave me a medical exam gown to get changed into and left the room.

A couple of minutes later, Lisa came in and began her examination. It was really interesting to observe firsthand as she used a dermatoscope (a handheld device used to check skin lesions) from head to toe. Throughout the assessment, she paid close attention to hard-to-see areas such as the scalp and the back. Marked out suspicious spots, took pictures of them (for future reference), and even took a biopsy of a lesion on the back of my leg. To say she was thorough would be an understatement. Thirty minutes was allocated for my appointment, and she used every minute.

One thing I want to mention is just how good of a job Lisa did in making me feel comfortable and at ease (because let me tell you, standing in front of your boss in your underwear can be just a tad intimidating). But in all seriousness, this is something I hear all the time from her patients and it shows how great of a provider she truly is.

If you too would like to schedule an appointment with Lisa, or any of our other providers, contact our office today. Remember, when it comes to skin cancer, the best prevention is early detection!

With this month being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to emphasize the significance of protecting your skin and getting an annual skin examination. It is estimated that over three million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. That means roughly one in five people in the U.S. will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

So, what can you do to take care of your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer? Here are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) on how to do just that:

• Seek shade (when appropriate). Keep in mind that the sun’s harmful UV rays are most prevalent from 10am-2pm.
• Wear sun-protective clothing. Clothes that cover exposed areas of skin are ideal (ex. a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat).
• Apply sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant one with an SPF of at least 30.

Since skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, we encourage our patients to get their skin examined at least once a year. Whereas patients with a history of concerning lesions are seen more regularly. When conducting a skin cancer examination, we adhere to the ABCDEs of melanoma. They are as follows:

Skin Cancer Screening

A = Asymmetry. In early forms, malignant melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning that you cannot draw a line down the middle and have equal parts on each side.
B = Border. Uneven borders with irregularities or blurs.
C = Color. Varying shades of brown, blue, or black.
D = Diameter. Melanoma tends to be larger than normal moles, ones the size of a pencil eraser are something that you should look at closely.
E = Evolving. Any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel.

As you can see, there are some ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer. And even for those diagnosed with it, there is hope, but early detection is crucial. If you notice a suspicious spot, or would just like to have your skin evaluated, contact our office today.

Source(s): aad.org, skincancer.org

Spring Sun Safety

Spring is almost here, and that means more time spent out in the sun. Since the sun is a major source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, exposure to it can pose serious risks to our skin.

Although there are three types of UV rays, UVA and UVB are of the most concern. UVA rays are long wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermis causing skin aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are shorter wavelengths that are more superficial, causing damage in the form of redness and sunburns. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.

The first step you can take to protect your skin from these harmful rays is to use a broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum sunscreen. Make sure it’s an SPF of at least 30, combined with ingredients titanium and zinc dioxide. Reapply every two hours.

Next, avoid the sun and seek shade when the UV rays are strongest. This usually is between 10am and 2pm.

Lastly, try taking one aspirin an hour before going out in the sun to avoid a potential burn. If you do contract a sunburn however, try taking Advil or Motrin. This will help minimize the pain and inflammation associated with the burn.

These precautions will significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, while allowing for proper exposure to the sun. If you do notice anything suspicious on your skin, contact our office immediately. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial.

Legendary reggae musician Bob Marley was a larger-than-life personality whose influence transcended music. Sadly, on May 11, 1981, he passed away at the young age of 36. His premature death was believed to have been attributed to an acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).

Bob Marley

What is acral lentiginous melanoma?

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a very rare and fast-growing skin cancer that is typically found on the palms of hands, soles on feet, or underneath the nails. Unlike most skin cancers, UV exposure does not have a direct correlation to ALM. It is instead caused when the melanocytes (the cells responsible for making melanin, the pigment that determines the color of the skin) grow out of control and form tumors. It is often diagnosed late because it is usually found in individuals (and parts of the body) with a low likelihood of UV-induced melanoma.

When was it first noticed?

The first indication of Bob Marley’s melanoma occurred after a soccer game in the summer of 1977. During the game, he badly injured his right big toe. Thinking it was just a bruise, he didn’t end up getting it evaluated any further. In the coming days, the site of the injury worsened, so a biopsy (small sample removal of skin tissue) was done. This confirmed a diagnosis of melanoma.

What happened after?

The medical staff recommended that the toe, and possibly even the foot, be amputated to prevent the cancer from spreading. He instead opted for an excision (surgical removal of skin tissue) of the site and surrounding areas. The treatment was believed to have completely removed the cancerous lesion. Then a few years later, in September of 1980, he was diagnosed with a brain and lung tumor. It is believed that this was the result of the melanoma on his toe spreading before it received treatment. Eight months later, Bob Marley passed away in a Miami area hospital.

As tragic as this situation was, it highlights the importance of early detection. Because while melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, if found early, it can be one of the most treatable. So, if you haven’t had your skin examined in a while, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov