The Skin Cancer Facts
75Skin Cancer Looks Like
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
CDC Melamona Facts through 2007
- 58.094 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, including 33,041 men and 25,053 women
- 8,461 people in the United States died from melanomas of the skin, including 5,506 men and 2,955 women
Three types of Malignant Skin Cancer
Knowing the skin cancer facts can save your life. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Below are three most common types of skin cancer, each with unique characteristics:
- Basal cell cancer: Translucency is a keyword for this type as it often has a translucent to flesh type color, and it is the most treatable type of skin cancer. It is usually a raised bump and may have tiny visible blood vessels. They tend to form on the most common places of sun exposed skin, like the face, neck, arms, shoulders and head. Many people mistake it for a sore that just won't heal. This type affects two million Americans a year. Most of the time it can be removed without even leaving a scar.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type presents as a crusted red or scaly patch or bump which is a very rapid growing tumor and pain is a common characteristic. Bleeding and ulcerations may occur and others may form a hard nodule. If left untreated it may form a large mass, however, it is treatable and not as serious as a melanoma.
- Melanoma carcinoma: This is the most serious skin cancer. Its appearance is asymmetrical having an irregular border. The color (but usually brown to black) may vary and it is often greater than 6 mm in diameter. However, some are red, pink or fleshy colored and are referred to as amelanotic melanomas. They are more aggressive and may appear to be an atypical mole. If caught early it is treatable but while it is not the most common skin cancer, it causes more deaths. Sometimes is may appear on your head in your hair or maybe on the back of your thigh, so it is not always caught early. Seeing a dermatologist for any unusual skin disease is essential. In 2010, the American Cancer Society reports about 68,130 of melanomas were invasive, with about 38,870 in males and 29,260 in women.
Melanoma Carcinoma -Images of Skin Cancer
Stages of Melanoma
- Stage 1: The melanoma is fairly thin and appears to be localized in the skin, which means it has not spread to lymph nodes or organs.
- Stage 2: It is thicker than Stage 1, but localized in the skin and not found in the organs or lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: The melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes near the affected area but has not spread to the organs.
- Stage 4: The melanoma has spread to lymph nodes and organs, such as the lungs or liver.
Melanoma
This most serious form of cancer is treatable when caught early but it can advance to other parts of the body where it can be very difficult to treat. It originates in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the pigment melanin which colors your skin, hair and eyes.
Until a year ago the doctors only had two drugs approved for stage IV metastic melanoma. The FDA has approved a new drug for treatment of inoperable or advanced melanoma called Zelboraf, which has been found to delay the disease progression and extend the life of the patient significantly. This is the first drug of its kind.
Intraocular Melanoma
Intraocular Melanoma
This year, an estimated 2,570 adults (1,270 men and 1,300 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with primary Intraocular Melanoma. It is estimated that 240 deaths (130 men and 110 women) from this disease will occur. This disease begins in the tissues of the eye, in the middle of the three layers of the eye. While this is a rare cancer, it is the most common eye cancer in adults.
Age and sun exposure may increase the risk of developing this cancer. Risk factor incvlude:
- Older age
- Being white
- Having a light skin, or green or blue eyes.
- Being able to tan
Obviously these are not things that we can change. Research has proven the usefulness of using protective sun screen, wearing hats and wearing sunglasses to reduce your risk of cancer,
There may not be any early symptoms but will often this cancer may be found in an eye exam. Symptoms you should pay attention to are a dark spot on your iris, blurred vision, a change in the shape of your pupil or a change in your vision.
The prognosis is good is the small tumors have not spread, then they can be cured and your vision will be saved. Optometrist use a staging process to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, as it may spread through the lymph system, through tissue or through the blood. This cancer may re-occur after it has been treated. Treatments vary according to the degree of the cancer, which may vary from minor surgery, radiation to enucleation.
Study: New drugs boost melanoma survival
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Sunscreen in a Pill
Researchers are using the ingredient in Australia's Great Barrier Reef to uncover the genetic and biochemical processes behind the coral's natural defense against the sun's harmful rays. The King's College London team will first create a lotion, then a pill with hope that the pill will be available in 5 years.
Prevention is the Key
- Seek shade, particularly between 10 Am and 4 PM.
- Liberally use sun screen that protects you against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Do Not Burn!
- Avoid tanning booths and beds.
- Use a broad brimmed hat. and sunglasses.
- Keep newborns out of the sun.
- Examine you skin for your head to your toes at least monthly and see a dermatologist for any new growth or discoloration.
Summary
Knowing the skin cancer facts can prevent skin cancer which is very treatable when caught early and knowledge is power. Being aware of the skin cancer signs is very important. Again prevention is the most important aspect as skin cancer is very common, particularly basal cell cancer. Follow the steps of prevention to remain free of the disease.
The copyright to this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is recommended depending of lightness of skin. The lighter the complexion the high the SPF recommendation. A very enlightening hub on skin cancer. Thanks Pamela.
Great heads up Pamela. novascotiamiss makes some very important points. Sharing info is one of the best aspects of HP.
Another point is that dermatologists do not consistently screen liver health of patients diagnosed with melanoma. That screening should always be done and if your derma guy won't do it, find one who will if you have been diagnosed with melanoma. Getting an initial liver scan is important in case a problem develops in the future. It's criminal that they don't all do it with every melanoma, particularly when they "prescribe" the sun screens that can create other problems.
Regular eye exams are extremely important. People to see an ophthalmologist for exams even if they do not think their vision is changing because this doctor screens for other diseases that do not always show early symptoms, such as you mention at the end of your hub.
Excellent.
I am fair skinned, and I have had many precancerous lesions removed from my face, and one basal cell carcinoma on the tip on my nose. That required a skin graft, so see a dermatologist as soon as you see a suspicious spot, and take turns looking each other over.
Interesting hub. My daughter would like to read this; she's a nursing student. I'll facebook it so she'll see it. Thanks. Susieq
noviascotiamiss, You have obviously had very personal experience with melanoma and know a lot more than the average person. I am glad your husband survived. I live in northern FL near the beach and the people here will not wear long sleeve shirts and pants in 100° weather, so finding the healthiest lotion is the best we can hope for as even riding in the car you are going to get some sun. I don't go out of the house without sunscreen on my face and arms and I don't go to the beach either. Thanks for your comments and recommendations.
Cardisa, Thank you so much for your comment. I use a 60 or 70 as I have lupus and am not suppose to be in the sun.
RTalloni, I didn't know that the liver wasn't checked with melanoma. I agree that changing doctors would be appropriate. Also, I see a retinal specialist as I have a small growth on my eye called a nevus which is usually benign. They have watched me very closely over the last 4 years and luckily and the size hasn't changed fortunately so I finally don't have to be concerned. I appreciate your comments.
Will, I have also had 2 small precancerous lesions removed but not one that required a skin graft. It is difficult to keep your face completely out of the sun and being light skinned does make your risk higher. Thanks for sharing your experience.
SusieQ42, I am glad you enjoyed the hub and hope your daughter does also. Thanks for your comments.
Thank you for sharing this important information. God Bless You.
Thank you Pam. A very well written article. The info. can be life-saving.....
stars439, I appreciate your comments. God bless you also.
always exploring, Thank you so much for your comments.
Excellent research and information that is well-presented, Pamela. In my area, south Florida, skin cancer is not uncommon since so many sun-lovers spend so much of their time basking in those potentially harmful rays. You have done us a service with this hub. Brava!
drbj, I see a lot of beach lovers here also. Thanks for your comment.
A good and informative hub. Thanks for sharing.
You refreshed my memory on some things I had forgotten Pam, but I haven't been around the medical field in quite some time. Good hub!
Thank you for sharing this, Pamela, it is very informative.
Cloverleaf.
hafeezm, I appreciate your comments.
JY, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for your comments.
Cloverleaf, I appreciate your comments.
Excellent hub with great pictures and clear, concise information. I learned several things I didn't know before such as the information about the intraocular melanoma and amelanotic melanomas. I also enjoyed the give and take on the comments and was surprised by how many have said they or a spouse have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
I had a basal cell lesion removed from my left cheek about 25 years ago, use sun screen and try to take my beach walks in the morning or evening to limit sun exposure. I've heard that the sun screen can cause other types of cancer but agree that in the summer months when temperatures are in the 90's it's not practical to wear long sleeves and pants.
Thanks for sharing this important information. Voted up, useful and interesting.
Very useful information. It is best to practise sun protection when out and about. We live in a culture where a tan is perceived as desirable but the cost of radiation is way too serious to ignore. Rated up.
Happyboomernurse, I'm glad the hub was helpful to you and thank you so much for your comments.
Anginwu, I agree with you completely and I appreciate your comments.
Also remember to protect your eyes with the right sunglasses even in winter. My dad passed away from Melanoma of the eye. They removed his eye where the cancer was but it had already spread to stage four. Great article Read more about Melanoma of the eye http://craftdrawer.hubpages.com/hub/Protecting-You
Pamela, I really didn't want to read this. I'm a blond haired blue eyed German with 1/5 Wichita Indian blood. Being an old surf bum,I've spent my entire life in the sun. I didn't know age had anything to do with it. Dang! I ain't no pup these days!
jim
craftdrawer, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Thanks for the link and the comments.
TheManWithNoPants, Make sure you check your body monthly for any unusual changes in your skin as the cancer's are curable when they are caught early. Thanks for your comment.
Very informative information on skin cancer.
Sandyspider, Thank you for your comment.
Brilliant hub and very informative. Thank you, Pamela.
This is a very important piece, Pamela and I thank you. I am calling my dermatologist for an appointment today!
Hello, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thank you for your comments.
BPOP, I'm glad to hear that. I appreciate your comments.
Great article with great information. It may save some one's life. It too have written an article about melanoma. I have had it as has my mother:
"My-Mother-Has-Melanoma-Cancer-in-Three-Places."
Flag up and awesome!
Dallas, I hope you and your mother fully recover. Thanks for your comments.
Wow, I was enjoying my snack when I came across this hub, and these photos ruined my appetite right away. These facts about skin cancer are very interesting, though. I always learn something worthwhile from your hubs. Thanks, Pamela!
Interesting hub with good info. Thank you.
Om Paramapoonya, I'm sorry to ruin you appetite! :-)) It is important to know the sign of skin cancer so I am glad you found the hub useful. Thank you for your comments.
Pam Pounds, I appreciate your comments.
Pam - I am high risk for skin cancer. In my youth, the only thing we "beachers" used was baby oil and I spent most of my life at the beach. I see a specialist about every 6 months and have had some mom cancerous growths removed. How I wish with all my heart, that the above information would have been available to me back then.
An excellent and very informative hub, Pam. Rated Up, useful, interesting and awesome!
vocalcoach, I think many people are in your position as we just didn't know years ago the importance of not getting sunburned. At least you're doing the right thing by seeing a specialist every six months since skin cancers that are caught early are very treatable. Thank you so much for your comments.
Interesting, my husband had a sore that wouldn't heal and it was skin cancer! I love to visit your informational Hubs! Thank you! Voted-Up!!!
drpastorcarlotta, My husband had the same thing happen, but after it was removed he has had no further problmes. Thank you for your comments.
very nice gud keep it up and thanks to comments to my hubs
Pamela, very informative hub. I do have a question. I found this very tiny pellet that I can roll on my fingers located just above my collarbone. It does not protrude but it's definitely there. Is this the start of a cyst?
Such an important subject Pamela and you have explained in such complete detail about this very necessary subject. Skin cancer is definitely on the increase and you have explained the signs to look out for. Thank you so much, we certain all need to be aware and be vigilant with regards to sun protection.
hottomodify, I appreciate your comments.
inaniLoquence, While it sounds like it might be a cyst, I would probably see a doctor, as there is no way I could know that for sure. I appreciate the comment.
acaetnna, I am glad you found the hub helpful. Thanks for your comments.
Voted UP & UABI, Pamela... so important to have this valuable information shared in an understandable and accurate manner. Thank you for this service to all of us/ our loved ones.
Have a beautiful weekend, mar.
Mar, I certainly appreciate your very nice comments.
I had to get a couple of basal cells removed from my face recently. Thanks for the reminder to stay out of the sun. I am fair skinned and love being outside, I have been wanting to get light colored broad rim hats of some kind. Thanks great and informative hub. Voted up !
PhoenixV, A hat is a great idea. Thank you for your comments.
Pamela, Very informative hub. I had basil cell on top of my head when I was in my 30's. As a child and teen I spent all summer swimming on our lake. I have fair skin, was very blonde and have blue eyes .. so I am predisposed to skin cancer. A beautician found the basil cell and advised me to check it out - it had grown for years. They got it all - and it never came back - scarey time for our family. I sent her flowers after the surgery and will always be thankful for her.
I hope this hub will help others take skin abnormalities seriously.
God Bless,
Mekenzie
Mekenzie, My husband got a basal cell cancer on his arm and ignored it for quite a while. By the time he found out it was cancer they really had to removed quite a lot of tissue so he has a big scar but luckily it hadn't spread. It is great that your beautician noticed yours. I would have sent flowers also. Thank you for telling us your situation and for your comments. God Bless.
@Pamela99...Good information!
I'm a melanoma survivor, but didn't know about the liver connection and never had a doctor suggest that testing. So, thanks for a good job on this Hub!
Barbsbitsnpieces, I'm glad to hear you are a survivor and I appreciate your comments.
novascotiamiss Level 3 Commenter 8 months ago
Pamela, thanks for another interesting hub. My husband survived a four stage malanoma (usualy deadly) and we therefore research a lot on the topic. Like many patients, he was young and ignorant and the skin cancer only got noticed after years, when it started bleeding and when it was almost too late. I only partly disagree with you re. 1 point. The best way not to get burned if you have to go outside in broad sunlight is by wearing long shirts and pants and wide-brimmed hats with UV protection, and not the excessive use of suntan lotion. Re-applying suntan lotion does not necessarily prevent you from burning as your skin can only absorb a certain amount of UV rays per day. Also, suntan lotions themselves are highly controversiol, as there is no internationally recognized standard in connection with UV factors, and most products are therefore free to make misleading claims. E.g., in Australia, where they make the best suntan lotion, the factor only goes up to 32, they claim that higher factors only keep you safe for a few more minutes. Most well-known suntan lotions contain cancer causing ingredients, which when absorbed through the skin can lead to medical problems. Ok, they may help you prevent skin-cancer, but might cause other cancers. For an indepth analysis of suntan lotion, ingredients and safety, please refer to the following link:
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/
Remember: There is no such thing as a safe tan or a healthy tan!!! I also recommend reading the following Q&A link:
http://www.nonscentedtoxicfree.com/page/page/36348