Skin Cancer

Learn About Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment on the South Shore

When it comes to skin cancer, the South Shore's medical dermatology and surgical dermatology team at South Coast Dermatology frequently works with what is the most common form of human cancers, affecting more than one million people in the country every year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives.

The good news is that skin cancers are generally curable if caught early, which is why regular self-examinations and doctor visits are imperative—especially for people who have already had skin cancer, since they are at a higher risk of developing a new skin cancer.

The vast majority of skin cancers are composed of three different types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cells sit in the deepest layer of the epidermis, along with hair follicles and sweat ducts. When a person is overexposed to UVB radiation, it damages the body's natural repair system, which causes basal cell carcinomas to grow. These tend to be slow-growing tumors and rarely metastasize (spread). Basal cell carcinomas can present in a number of different ways, with skin cancer symptoms possibly appearing as:

  • a raised pink or pearly white bump with a pearly edge and small, visible blood vessels.
  • pigmented bumps that look like moles with a pearly edge.
  • a sore that continuously heals and re-opens.
  • flat, scaly scar with a waxy appearance and blurred edges.

Despite the different appearances of the cancer, they may bleed with little or no cause. Eighty-five percent of basal cell carcinomas occur on the face and neck, since these are areas that are most exposed to the sun.

Risk factors for this cancer include having fair skin, sun exposure, age (most skin cancers occur after age 50), and exposure to ultraviolet radiation (as in tanning beds) or therapeutic radiation given to treat an unrelated health issue.

Diagnosing basal cell carcinoma requires a biopsy. This may be excisional, which means the entire tumor is removed along with some of the surrounding tissue, or incisional, where only part of the tumor is removed (used primarily for large lesions).

Treatments include:

  • cryosurgery, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the tumor.
  • curettage and desiccation, the preferred method of dermatologists. This skin cancer treatment involves using a small metal instrument (called a curette) to scrape out the tumor along with an application of an electric current into the tissue to kill off any remaining cancer cells.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery, the preferred method for large tumors. Mohs combines removal of cancerous tissue with immediate microscopic review throughout the surgery. By mapping the diseased tissue layer by layer, more healthy skin is preserved when removing the tumor.
  • prescription medicated creams applied at home, which stimulate the body's natural immune system over the course of weeks.
  • radiation therapy for difficult-to-treat tumors, whether because of their location, severity or persistence.
  • surgical excision, for which the tumor is cut out and the wound is stitched up.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cells are found in the upper layer (the surface) of the skin. They look like fish scales under a microscope. With this skin cancer, symptoms present as a crusted or scaly patch of skin with an inflamed, red base. They are often tender to the touch. It is estimated that 250,000 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed annually, and that 2,500 of them result in death.

Squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere, including inside the mouth and on the genitalia. It most frequently appears on the scalp, face, ears, and back of hands. This cancer tends to develop among fair-skinned, middle-aged, and elderly people who have a history of sun exposure. In some cases, it evolves from actinic keratoses, which are dry, scaly lesions that can be flesh-colored, reddish-brown, or yellow black, and which appear on skin that is rough or leathery. Actinic keratoses spots are considered to be precancerous.

Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed via a biopsy–either excisional, where the entire tumor is removed along with some of the surrounding tissue, or incisional, where only a part of the tumor is removed.

Treatments for this skin cancer include:

  • cryosurgery.
  • curettage and desiccation.
  • Mohs.
  • prescription medicated creams.
  • radiation therapy.
  • surgical excision.

Melanoma

While melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, it is by far the most virulent. It is the most common form of cancer among young adults age 25 to 29. Melanocytes are cells found in the bottom layer of the epidermis. These cells produce melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. That's why, for this form of skin cancer, symptoms often present as dark brown or black spots on the skin. Melanomas spread rapidly to internal organs and the lymph system, making them quite dangerous. Early detection is critical for curing this skin cancer.

Melanomas look like moles and often grow inside existing moles. That's why it is important for people to conduct regular self-examinations of their skin in order to detect any potential skin cancer early, when it is treatable. Most melanomas are caused by overexposure to the sun beginning in childhood. This cancer also runs in families.

Melanoma is diagnosed via a biopsy. Treatments for this skin cancer include surgical removal or chemotherapy.

Skin Cancer Symptoms to Look For

The key to detecting skin cancers is to notice changes in your skin. Look for:

    What to look for when scanning for signs of skin cancer.
  • large brown spots with darker speckles located anywhere on the body.
  • dark lesions on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fingertips toes, mouth, nose, or genitalia.
  • translucent pearly and dome-shaped growths.
  • existing moles that begin to grow, itch, or bleed.
  • brown or black streaks under the nails.
  • a sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens.
  • Clusters of slow-growing scaly lesions that are pink or red.

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed the following ABCDE guide for assessing whether or not a mole or other lesion may be evidence of skin cancer:

Asymmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half in size, shape or color.

Border: The edges of moles are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.

Color: The mole is not the same color throughout.

Diameter: The mole is usually greater than 6 millimeters when diagnosed, but may also be smaller.

Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that is different from the rest, or changes in size, shape, or color.

If any of these conditions occur, please make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists right away. The doctor may do a biopsy of the mole to determine if it is or isn't cancerous.

Dr. Heidi Anderson-Dockter

Meet Our Physicians

Heidi Anderson-Dockter M.D.

Dr. Anderson-Dockter is a highly trained dermatologist in general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a faculty member at Roger Williams Medical Center.

Meet Dr. Heidi Anderson
Dr. Susan D. Decoste, M.D.

Meet Our Physicians

Susan D. Decoste, M.D.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. DeCoste practices general, medical and surgical dermatology with a strong background and interest in laser and cosmetic dermatology.

Meet Dr. Susan D. Decoste
Dr. Teresa DeGiacomo, M.D.

Meet Our Physicians

Teresa DeGiacomo, M.D.

Dr. DeGiacomo is a longtime fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, with a strong interest and experience in cosmetic dermatology.

Meet Dr. Teresa DeGiacomo
Dr. Courtney Csikesz, M.D.

Meet Our Physicians

Courtney Csikesz, M.D.

Board certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, Dr. Csikesz practices general, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology with clinical interests in acne, pediatric surgery, and lasers.

Meet Dr. Courtney Csikesz

Skin Cancer Prevention

Roughly 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are attributable to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. That's why skin cancer prevention involves:

  • staying out of the sun during peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
  • covering up the arms and legs with protective clothing.
  • wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • using sunscreens year round with an SPF of 30 or greater and sunblocks that work on both UVA and UVB rays. Look for products that use the term "broad spectrum."
  • checking your skin monthly and contacting your dermatologist if you notice any changes.
  • getting regular skin examinations. It is advised that adults over 40 get an annual exam with a dermatologist.

Get help with skin cancer at South Coast Dermatology, serving the South Shore and beyond in Massachusetts. To arrange a consultation, send a message online. Call 781.335.9700 for more information.

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