Everyone likes the look of a “healthy glowing tan” except for the fact that it’s not healthy! Skin changes can signal the presence of a skin cancer which is the most common type of all cancers in the United States. The vast majority of these occur on the face, head and neck because those areas tend to be “unprotected” most of the time. Repeated sun exposure with the ultraviolet radiation is the most common cause of skin cancer but tanning booths and sunlamps can contribute as well. The easiest way to help protect yourself from skin cancer and reduce your risks is to use sunscreen (with a minimum SPF 30) daily.
Anyone can develop skin cancer but who is most at risk?
- Fair skin
- Light colored hair and eyes
- Family history of skin cancer
- Large number of moles
- History of blistering sunburns
- History of radiation treatment to the face
There are three main types of skin cancers:
Each has specific characteristics that predict their behavior. Fortunately the least problematic skin cancer is also the most common type of skin cancer – Basal Cell. Fortunately because they generally grow slowly and rarely spread elsewhere. Malignant Melanoma, on the other hand, is the most dangerous because of the potential to spread throughout the body.
The important thing to keep in mind is to seek a physician consultation for any suspicious changes to the skin. Non-healing lesions, or changes in the color, size, or borders of moles should raise suspicion.
“Was afraid I wouldn’t have enough skin left to cover my nose but you certainly managed it. My friends and family don’t notice I’ve had surgery. Too bad I didn’t act to prevent the problem in the first place.”
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the skin layer. When this occurs, the renegade cells can cause damage and distortion to parts of the body. The ears, nose and lips are common areas for skin cancer to develop because of their direct exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Untreated, the damage can be to local tissues, yet the more aggressive melanomas can be deadly if they are not caught early.
Who is a Good Candidate for Evaluation and Possible Treatment?
- Anyone with a non-healing skin lesion
- Any changes in an existing mole, such as darker color, irregular margins, growth beyond the size of a pencil eraser or bleeding
- Family history of skin cancers
- Family history of many moles
- Documented skin cancer by biopsy and the need for complete removal and reconstruction
The Surgical Treatment of Skin Cancers:
Naturally, the primary goal of treatment is removal of the skin cancer cells. Removing BCCA and SCCA are generally performed with a margin of normal skin and confirmed by the pathology evaluation. If the removed lesion has any cancer cells at the margins, then further removal of skin is indicated.
Malignant Melanomas are treated differently. Depending on the depth of involvement of the Melanoma in the skin, the margin of “normal” skin around the edge that is removed will vary. If the Melanoma is thicker, indicating a deeper penetration into the skin, then a wider skin margin is removed. Also, a certain depth of involvement may indicate the need to remove a sample of lymph nodes that drain that area of the body to check for any potential spread of the Melanoma cells.
Any removal of skin cancers will require closure of the resultant wound. These options vary from directly closing the area in a line, to skin grafts, to moving skin from the surrounding area (skin flap), to more complex reconstructions. These options are also dictated by the location of the cancer, whether it is on the nose, the ear, or elsewhere.
Recovery and Healing:
- Initial healing is 5 to 7 days when sutures are generally removed
- Elevation of the surgical site is helpful
- Limited activities for 1 week and possibly longer
Results:
The skin cancer will have been removed.
Continued skin surveillance is important.
Malignant Melanoma patients will have to see their physician on a regular basis for skin surveillance.
Scars of various degrees will be the result. Often these are made to be as inconspicuous as possible but some can be more visible and some may go on to develop more scar tissue.
Use sun block and do not delay evaluation if you observe any suspicious skin changes.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Consultation
Please contact Parva Plastic Surgery for your skin cancer consultation with Dr. Parva, board certified plastic surgeon today.