Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Facts

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers; basal cell and squamous cell cancers affect more than one million Americans each year and the number is rising. Because ultraviolet light can damage DNA, exposing the skin to sunlight increases the risk for an individual to develop skin cancer. Skin type is a very important factor in the development of skin cancer. Fair-skinned individuals who tend to burn easily and tan poorly are at the greatest risk while dark skinned people are at a reduced risk.

What are the signs of cancer?

A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth. Not all skin cancers look the same and you should inspect your skin periodically and become familiar with all spots and moles and pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges, and color.

Some of the skin changes to watch for are:

• A skin growth that bleeds spontaneously or with minimal trauma.
• A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, irregular, brown, black, or multicolored.
• A mole or birthmark that changes in color or texture, bleeds, or increases in size or thickness.
• A spot or growth that continues to itch, hurt, crust, erode, or bleed.
• An open sore or wound on the skin that lasts for four weeks and does not heal.
• A sore that heals and then reopens.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment for a checkup with your dermatologist. Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.

A formula has been created to help you remember how to detect cancer.

The ABCDE’s of cancer are:

• Asymmetry: Most melanomas are asymmetrical; a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
• Border Irregularity: The borders of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother more even borders.
• Color Variability: Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first sign of Melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white, and blue may appear. Common moles are usually a single shade of brown.
• Diameter: Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles; generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (6mm) but they can be smaller.
• Evolving: Any evolution or change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting points to danger.

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 1 million new cases of skin cancer this year. When diagnosed and treated early, they are 95% curable. Malignant Melanoma is more serious as it has a propensity to metastasize to other areas of the body. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, it is important to minimize sun exposure, wear sun protection daily, and have full body skin examinations yearly to recognize the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
A dermatology biopsy is the only way to correctly diagnose skin cancer. The biopsy results will help your dermatologist make a diagnosis and plan your treatment. If your biopsy shows that you have cancer, your dermatologist will need to know the extent or stage of your disease. The stage is based on the size of the growth, how deeply it has grown beneath the top layer of skin, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.

Dr. Neda Black Shows How You Can Spot the Signs of Melanomas

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

It is very difficult to deal with the emotions that flood our minds after we have been diagnosed with skin cancer. It is important however to stay calm and clear our minds so we can learn what to do and the best way to take care of it. At Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena, we can help you through this difficult process and together we can determine what treatment procedure is best for you. Most skin cancers, even malignant melanoma, can be cured if discovered early enough. This is why attention to symptoms and regular self-examination is highly recommended. When cancers of the skin are discovered early, there are a variety of treatment possibilities.

Sometimes all of the cancer is removed during the biopsy and in this case, you will not need further treatment. Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of your disease, the size and place of growth, and your general health and medical history. In most cases, the aim of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer completely.

Some of the options available to treat your skin cancer are:

• Radiation Therapy
• Topical Immuno-Modulating Agents
• Topical Chemotherapy
• Freezing
• Electrodessication and Curettage
• Skin Cancer Surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Laser Surgery
• Excisional Surgery
• Mohs Surgery

The best way to protect yourself from future skin cancers is to make a serious attempt at reducing the amount of sunlight you are exposed to. You don’t have to change your entire lifestyle but you should alter it intelligently and take the proper precautions. An unfortunate statistic is that 50% of people who develop a skin cancer will develop skin cancer again within five years.

Our skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects us against heat, light, injury, and infection. It helps control our body temperature and it stores water and fat. Our skin is good to us so we need return the favor by checking our skin regularly. Once you learn what is normal for you, if you find anything unusual you should call your dermatologist and set up an appointment right away. The World Health Organization estimates that over 65,000 people die each year from skin cancer. To keep that from happening to you, take care of your skin and it will take care of you.

Skin Cancer in Pasadena, CA FAQs

How often should I schedule full-body skin exams if I have a history of skin cancer?

Patients with a personal history of skin cancer are often seen more frequently than once a year so that new or recurrent lesions can be detected as early as possible. Your dermatologist will recommend a customized follow-up schedule based on your past cancers, family history, skin type, and how much sun damage you have.

What should I expect during a dedicated skin cancer follow-up visit in Pasadena?

During a follow-up visit, your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin from head to toe, paying special attention to any previous treatment sites and new or changing spots. You will also have the chance to discuss any symptoms or concerns, review biopsy results if needed, and update your prevention plan, including sun protection and home skin checks.

How can I perform an effective at-home skin cancer self-exam between dermatologist visits?

Choose good lighting and a full-length mirror, then slowly scan your skin from your scalp to the soles of your feet, using a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas like your backsidea. Make note of any new or changing spots, as well as places that are not healing, and take clear photos over time so you can show any changes to your dermatologist at your next visit.

What questions should I ask my dermatologist after a skin cancer diagnosis?

It is helpful to ask about the exact type of skin cancer, whether it was caught early, and what treatment options are recommended in your specific case. You can also ask about the expected recovery, scarring, risk of recurrence, and what steps you should take to reduce your chances of developing additional skin cancers in the future.

How do I know which skin cancer treatment option is best for my specific lesion?

The best treatment depends on the skin cancer type, size, depth, and location, as well as your general health and any previous treatments. Your dermatologist will explain why a particular approach, such as surgery, topical therapy, or other methods, offers the right balance of cure rate, safety, and cosmetic outcome for your situation.

What can I do to support healing and minimize scarring after skin cancer treatment?

Following your aftercare instructions precisely, keeping the area clean, and protecting it from the sun are essential for healthy healing and smoother scars. Avoid picking at scabs, use recommended ointments or dressings, and ask your dermatologist about scar management options, such as silicone gels or laser treatments, if needed.

How does having one skin cancer affect my risk of getting another?

Once you have had one skin cancer, your risk of developing another increases, especially if you have significant sun damage or a fair skin type. This is why ongoing professional skin exams, strict sun protection, and regular self-checks are critical parts of long-term care after your first diagnosis.

Are there specific sun protection strategies recommended for life in Southern California?

In addition to daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, patients in sunny climates benefit from seeking shade during midday hours and wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. Keeping sun protection items in your car, bag, or office can make it easier to stay consistent when you are out in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area.

How can I involve my family in skin cancer prevention and early detection?

You can encourage family members to learn the ABCDEs, or guidelines for identifying suspicious moles or lesions, share your dermatologist’s recommendations, and model good habits, like sunscreen use and sun-safe clothing. For partners or close relatives, doing mutual back and scalp checks a few times a year can help catch unusual spots in areas that are hard to see on your own.

What lifestyle changes can lower my long-term risk after skin cancer treatment?

In addition to sun protection, avoiding tanning beds and smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing other medical conditions can all support skin and immune health. Staying consistent with follow-up visits and promptly scheduling an appointment if you notice a worrisome change are also key parts of your long-term prevention plan.