Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancer and more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year.

People who sunburn easily are at higher risk for developing skin cancer, but no one is excluded. Other than sun exposure, other factors can increase one's risk for developing skin cancer: repeated x-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns, occupational exposures (tar, arsenic) and of course, family history.

Actinic Keratoses (AK)
“Pre-Cancers” or the earliest sign of skin cancer.
AKs are small, pink scaly spots most commonly found on ears, face, neck, chest, arms and hands from the repeated, cumulative effect of sun exposure. AKs can be treated by a number of therapies including cryotherapy (freezing), topical chemotherapy (fluorouracil, solaraze™ gel, aldara™), Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), chemical peeling, curettage and other surgical procedures. Proper use of sunscreens and sun protective clothing can help prevent actinic keratoses even after extensive sun damage has already occurred.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common form of skin cancer and appears on sun-exposed areas of the body (head, neck, hands, chest, upper back). Basal cell carcinomas usually do not spread quickly and start off looking like a simple pimple, blemish or bug bite that does not heal within 2-3 months. Untreated, they can grow, invade the skin, and bleed causing considerable local damage to the skin and surrounding structures. Detected early, BCCs are curable. Depending on the type of BCC, options for treatment include chemotherapy, excisional surgery, and curettage.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)
SCC is the second most common skin cancer also found primarily in fair skinned people who sunburn easily. This cancer can appear as a scaly red patch or a crusty, hard bump on sun exposed areas of the head, neck, ears, lips, arms or legs. This form of cancer can invade the skin and metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) if left untreated.

MALIGNANT MELANOMA
Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in or near a mole that a person may have had for many years. People of all skin types can develop melanoma . Since melanoma begins in the pigment producing cells called melanocytes, they are typically dark brown or black in appearance. In rare cases melanoma can be red or light brown in color.

It is important to know the appearance of the moles on your own body to detect changes early. Dr. Isaac suggests that every person perform a self-skin exam every month (along with breast exam)! and be seen by a dermatologist annually for prevention of melanoma. Any changing mole should be examined by a dermatologist, as early melanoma is curable!

Along with sun exposure (especially intense intermittent blistering sunburns), heredity plays a role in risk factors for developing melanoma. If you have many moles and/or a family history for melanoma, you are at increased risk for developing melanoma. See your dermatologist regularly and remember your A/B/C/Ds of melanoma.