Medical Dermatology refers to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the skin, hair and nails. Many conditions treated by a dermatologist are easily diagnosed and can be resolved in a short period of time with simple treatment plans. Other skin pathology is very complex, requiring expert diagnostic abilities and may demand multifaceted treatment systems used over a long period of time. XiMED’s network of dermatologists are Board Certified and participate in ongoing educational opportunities in order to make the most current knowledge and technologies available.
About Your Skin and the Sun
Although a beautiful tan looks healthy, we know that continued sun exposure will create problems that are anything but that! A sun tan actually is the result of injury to the skin. Indoor tanning is just as dangerous to the skin as sunlight. The most well known adverse effects of too much sun include sunburn, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, aging of the skin with accompanying wrinkles, and skin cancer. Approximately 90% of skin cancers occur in areas that are exposed to the sun. It is important to understand that the sun produces two types of rays: UVA and UVB. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage. Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
About Skin Cancers
It is estimated that one million Americans develop skin cancer every year, making it the most widespread of all cancers. Overexposure to the sun is the primary cause of this condition. Protection against the sun is the best prevention, and early detection is the key to a cure. There are three types of skin cancer: (1) basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer; (2) squamous cell carcinoma; and (3) malignant melanoma.
What are the facts about basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It is estimated that it affects 800,000 Americans a year. This lesion arises from the basal cell, which is at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer). Formerly the most affected group was those of older age, however, the age of onset is steadily decreasing. Chronic exposure to the sun is the overwhelming factor in the development of this lesion. Those at highest risk are those with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue, green or grey eyes and individuals whose work or recreation places them in the sunlight for extended periods of time on a routine basis. Basal cell carcinomas can resemble non cancerous conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. A dermatologist can determine which condition actually exists.
What are warning signs of a basal cell carcinoma?
The following conditions may signal the presence of a basal cell carcinoma:
If you observe any of the above, or any other skin lesion that you are concerned about, consult with your dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection equals good treatment results.
What is the treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
Diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is confirmed with a biopsy of the lesion performed by your dermatologist. Treatment methods are determined by type, size, location and depth of penetration of the tumor as well as the patient’s age and health. Almost all treatment is performed in the physician’s office under local anesthetic. Discomfort during and after the procedure is minimal.
The following treatments are available:
Tumors that are treated very early require simple, confined treatment creating a cosmetically acceptable result. If the tumor has become larger, the treatment may be more extensive. This cancer very rarely spreads, however, if left untreated, can damage surrounding tissues and in some cases may require a skin graft or flap to cover the defect.
What is the risk of recurrence of basal cell carcinomas?
Once a basal cell carcinoma has been detected, it is possible that others may occur in either the same area or elsewhere on the body. Regular follow up visits to a dermatologist to examine both the site of the former tumor or the existence of a new one is part of good skin health maintenance.
What are the facts about squamous cell carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma originates in the epidermis and can be found in any area of the body including mucous membranes, but is most common in areas exposed to the sun such as the face, neck hands, arms back, and bald scalp. The rim of the ear and the lower lip are very vulnerable to the development of this tumor. The most frequent cause of squamous cell carcinoma is chronic exposure to sunlight. Those at most risk include individuals with fair skin, blue, green, or gray eyes with light colored hair.
This condition may arise at the site of preexisting inflammatory skin conditions or burn injuries.
Are there skin conditions that sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma? The following non cancerous conditions may develop into squamous cell carcinoma:
What types of lesions might be squamous cell carcinoma?
The following lesions may be squamous cell carcinomas:
How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?
After a physician exam and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, a course of treatment will be determined based on the type, size, location and depth of penetration of the tumor as well as the patient’s age and health status. The following are available treatment options:
When diagnosed in its early stages, squamous cell carcinoma is almost always curable. As with other skin cancers, the earlier the treatment is administered, the smaller the area affected resulting in a cosmetically acceptable result. The larger the tumor, the more invasive the treatment. Although squamous cell carcinomas rarely spread, it should be noted that approximately 11% of these tumors found on the lip do metastasize.
Do squamous cell carcinomas recur?
Anyone who has had a squamous cell carcinomas has an increased chance of developing another. If you have had a basal cell carcinoma you are at more risk of developing a squamous cell carcinoma. Both types of skin cancer are normally caused by excessive sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinomas on the lips, ears and nose are more likely to recur.
What is malignant melanoma?
Melanoma is an abnormal growth of cells originating in the melanocytes or cells that color the skin. It may appear suddenly in the skin, nails, mucous membranes, genitals or scalp and may arise near a mole. It can look like a freckle or mole and can be flat or raised. Individuals with increased risk for this condition include fair skinned individuals, those with history of significant sunburns, have a family history of melanoma, or a high number of atypical moles.
In the last twenty years, the incidence of melanoma has doubled and presently is the most common form of cancer in the 25-29 age group. Early detection is critical in the successful treatment of melanoma. Any suspicious growth should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist.
What are the early signs of malignant melanomas?
Survival in cases of melanoma is related to the thickness of the tumor. If detected early and treated, the survival rate is very high. As the disease advances there is a higher possibility that it will spread to other areas of the body and the survival rate decreases. The following factors, known as the A B C D’s*, indicate early signs of this condition:
*California Dermatology Society
What is the treatment for malignant melanoma?
The treatment for malignant melanoma is surgical excision. A consistent follow up program for five years is developed, the frequency of visits being determined by the severity of the condition. More aggressive treatment is sometimes necessary.
Avoiding the sun is the most important thing you can do to help prevent skin cancer. Some tips for protecting your skin against the ultraviolet rays are:
Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist at least once a year for a complete skin exam. If you have had skin cancer, this should be done at least twice a year or at the direction of your dermatologist.
