Skin Cancer & Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Among the most common skin growths are red or brown scaly spots called actinic keratoses. If ignored, they may become skin cancers that must be removed. In the early stages, they can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying a chemotherapy cream, or by skin resurfacing.
Actinic Keratosis is scaly, crusty growths caused by sun damage. They typically occur on sun-exposed areas such as the face, bald scalp, lips, and back of the hands. They are often elevated and may resemble warts. If left untreated, up to ten percent of AKs develop into squamous cell carcinomas.
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. They often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars and are usually caused by a combination of cumulative and intense, occasional sun exposure. They may bleed and/or form an ulcer.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. They look like scaly red patches, open sores, elevated growths with a central depression, or warts. They may crust or bleed. They may occur on all areas of the body including the mucous membranes and genitals but are most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, balding scalp, neck, hands, arms, and legs.
Melanoma is the third most common and the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanomas often resemble moles; some develop from moles. The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can be skin-colored, pink, purple, blue, or white. Melanoma is caused by intense, occasional UV exposure (often leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease.
Any change in an existing mole or the rapid appearance of a new mole could be a sign of melanoma and should be examined immediately by a dermatologist. Once melanoma spreads to other organs, it can be fatal.
While basal cell and other skin cancers are almost always curable when detected early; it is best to prevent them in the first place. Some easy tips to follow:
Seek the shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.
Do not burn.
Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For longer outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over 6 months old.
Examine your skin from head to toe every month.
See your doctor every year for a skin check.
For more information, please go to www.skincancer.org
At the Dermatology Center of Lake Orion, we believe that the best treatment is prevention. Schedule an appointment today to receive a full body check to detect suspicious moles or skin cancers early. We recommend a baseline body check at the age of 40, but earlier if you have a family history of skin cancer or if you are aware of any unusual marks or growths on your body.
