By Doug Leone, MD, & Adrienne Schupbach, MD
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, most people aren’t thinking about skin cancer. However, skin cancer can occur anytime to anyone — even in places on the body that have never been exposed to the sun. One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, has steadily increased over the past three decades to the rate of one American dying from it every hour, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds is the most significant cause for all skin cancers, but just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can put away the sunscreen. Many people do not realize that the sun’s UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, and don’t cause immediate effects like sunburn, infiltrate glass; so your skin can get sun damage from your car window, or just sitting by a sunny window at work. In addition, the sun reflects off the bright snow, so even though you may be bundled up, your face and neck are still exposed.
Detecting skin cancer, especially melanoma, when it is most treatable is key to survival. Your detection efforts should include regular self-checks. The best time to do this exam is after a shower or bath in a room with plenty of light, using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. Begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and other marks are, and their usual look and feel. Check for anything new, such as:
- A new mole (that looks different from your other moles)
- A new red or darker color flaky patch that may be a little raised
- A new flesh-colored, firm bump
- A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole
- A sore that doesn’t heal
Don’t rely on smartphone technology for diagnosis. Some consumers are using smartphone applications for medical guidance on irregular moles. A recent study found that these apps are not reliable tools, with three out of four applications incorrectly classifying 30 percent or more of melanomas as “unconcerning.”
You should also see a dermatologist for an annual skin cancer check. Dermatologists are trained to spot abnormalities that you can’t see, or may have missed.
Treating Skin Cancer
If your dermatologist finds skin cancer, the treatment will depend on the type and stage of the disease, the size and place of the tumor, and your general health and medical history. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer completely. Patients whose melanoma is diagnosed when it is most curable have a survival rate of 97 percent. Discuss your options with your doctor, and work in tandem with health care providers to ensure the best possible outcome for any treatment.
Mohs’ micrographic surgery (MMS) is an advanced surgical technique to treat non-melanoma skin cancer. Individual layers of cancer tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until all cancer tissue has been removed. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible, and is especially recommended for skin cancer on the face. The advantage of MMS is that it ensures complete removal of all cancer cells, and spares surrounding normal skin tissue. This is important because it minimizes the size of the defect, allowing for less complex and more successful aesthetic reconstruction.
Any change in the appearance of the skin, including moles, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a patch of skin that changes color should be checked out immediately by a doctor. When skin cancer is found early, it is very treatable.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, you may contact the Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute at 309-451-DERM (3376), or www.dermatologistbloomington.com. Dr. Leone and Dr. Schupbach, both residents of Bloomington, are board-certified dermatologists, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, including the treatment of skin cancer, moles, acne, rashes, warts, and all skin disorders. Dr. Leone is one of the few Mohs trained surgeons in the area. Their practice is located at 3024 E. Empire Street, 2nd floor (in the Advocate BroMenn outpatient center).
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