If you’ve had any type of skin cancer, you may have a diagnosis. You’ve likely been exposed to sunlight. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t be affected by a different type. Skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body. Many types of cancers start on the surface of the skin, including the lips. In these cases, it’s important to visit a dermatologist right away for a proper diagnosis.
Non-melanoma skin cancers are often staged according to how aggressive they are. This information is reported on a pathology report. The stage of the cancer depends on the location, size, and age of the patient. Treatment options vary, based on the aggressiveness of the disease. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Other types of treatment include radiation therapy and medication taken by mouth. In some cases, the cancer may not spread.
Melanoma is most common in men. Men are at a 136% higher risk of dying from the disease than women. People with fair skin are most susceptible to melanoma. Men of African descent have the lowest rates. In the United States, Caucasians have the highest rates of melanoma. However, men with dark skin have lower rates of melanoma than women. The acral subtype is the most common type in low-risk groups and usually develops on the hands and feet.
Surgical resection is an option for localized lesions. In this surgery, the doctor numbs the skin and removes the affected area. In most cases, healthy tissue is left behind. The surgeon then sutures up the skin and sends it to the laboratory for pathologic evaluation. The patient should be aware that radiation is not recommended if the cancer is superficial. A small, well-defined SCC may be cured with curettage.
Xeroderma pigmentosum, or XP, is a rare disorder of the skin that affects DNA repair. Its genes are linked to the increased risk of developing melanoma. The disorder is often caused by mutations in the genes that control UV-induced DNA damage. The underlying molecular event is unknown, but it highlights the importance of balancing UV-induced DNA damage and repair in the body. There is a complex network of proteins involved in DNA damage repair. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis and provide additional information.
Preventing skin cancer is vital. Every day, make sure you wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Sunscreen should cover the entire body including lips. Also, don’t go near sun lamps and tanning beds. Teach your children to use sun protection when outdoors and limit their exposure. Avoid smoking and seek support if you’re a smoker. These two habits will not only prevent cancer, but they will also make the disease easier to treat.
Identifying the risk of a specific type of skin cancer can help a dermatologist decide what treatment to administer. In addition to the age of the patient, age is a key factor to determine when to begin surveillance. A child who’s prone to developing skin cancers should have a skin examination at age four. In some cases, cancers are in the same area as the predisposition syndrome. The youngest known age for a TBD is four years old. This is a reasonable age to begin surveillance for the condition.
