Understanding Types of Skin Cancer

July is UV Safety Awareness Month

During UV Safety Awareness Month, we aim to educate our readers about the different types of skin cancer and how Houston Hospice Providers can support patients with this condition. Skin cancer often develops through sun exposure, forming as an abnormal growth within the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. To help prevent skin cancer, it is crucial to avoid UV radiation and consult your physician or dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin.

Skin cancer arises when cells mutate and cause tumors within the skin. Thus, understanding the different signs, symptoms, and treatments of skin cancer is crucial for early detection and effective management. At Sahara Hospice Care, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for individuals diagnosed with any type of skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma: An abnormal growth of the epidermis, often found on the face, ears, neck, and back. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer, as it grows slowly and is less likely to spread to other parts of the body.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: An uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells, typically forming on the face, scalp, hands, and ears. Squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and has a higher risk of spreading if not treated promptly.
• Melanoma: Developing from melanocytes, this cancer changes skin color and can appear anywhere on the body. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer due to its ability to spread rapidly to other organs if not detected early. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates.

Causes of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when DNA mutations lead to uncontrolled cell growth, forming tumors. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds is a common cause. People with fair skin are more susceptible due to sun exposure. Other risk factors include a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, living in sunny or high-altitude climates, and having a weakened immune system.

Genetics also play a role; individuals with a family history of skin cancer are at a higher risk. Preventative measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds, can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. It’s important to be mindful of these factors and take proactive steps to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms vary by cancer type but typically appear on the face, scalp, lips, ears, hands, arms, and chest. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of these signs:

• Basal cell carcinoma: Waxy bumps, flesh-colored or brown scars, and bleeding. These lesions often appear on sun-exposed areas and may develop into ulcers if left untreated.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Red nodules and flat lesions, more common in darker-skinned individuals. These growths can become crusty, scaly, and may bleed, making them prone to infection if not treated.
• Melanoma: Moles that can become cancerous, often appearing on the face in men and legs in women. Melanomas can change in size, color, and shape, and may become itchy or bleed. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) can help identify suspicious moles that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Other symptoms of melanoma include changes in the color, size, or feel of an existing mole, and the appearance of new pigmented or unusual-looking growths on the skin. Performing regular skin self-exams and consulting a healthcare professional if you notice any changes is crucial. Early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and overall prognosis.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer and its stage. Options include:

• Topical medications: Used for superficial skin cancers. These creams or gels contain cancer-fighting drugs that are applied directly to the skin.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen. This method is often used for precancerous lesions and small skin cancers.
• Laser therapy: Using light to remove cancer cells. Lasers can target and destroy abnormal cells with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Scraping away cancer cells and using electricity to kill remaining cells. This technique is effective for small, non-melanoma skin cancers.
• Surgery: Often used for basal or squamous cell cancers to remove masses. Surgical excision involves cutting out the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. Radiation may be used when surgery isn’t an option or to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy can treat advanced skin cancer that has spread to other organs.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer. This treatment helps the body’s natural defenses recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Using drugs to target specific cancer cells. These medications can block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor development.

Supportive Care for Skin Cancer

For loved ones with skin cancer, consider Palliative Care, Respite Care, or Hospice Care. Houston Hospice Providers have trained professionals to ensure comfort during diagnosis or a prognosis of six months or less. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer, aiming to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family.

Hospice care is a compassionate approach that provides comprehensive comfort care as well as support for the family. It can be provided in the patient’s home, a hospice center, or other settings. Hospice care includes medical services, emotional support, and spiritual resources for patients in the last phases of a terminal illness.

At Sahara Hospice Care, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals is committed to ensuring that each patient receives personalized care that meets their unique needs. We understand the challenges that come with a skin cancer diagnosis and are here to provide the necessary support and resources.

Preventative Measures

Preventing skin cancer is a vital part of protecting your health. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

• Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Seek shade: Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) when UV radiation is strongest.
• Avoid tanning beds: The UV radiation from tanning beds can increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Perform regular skin checks: Examine your skin monthly for any new or changing moles or spots, and see a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam.

Proactive Skin Cancer Prevention

These preventative measures are simple yet effective ways to protect your skin and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. By being proactive and vigilant, you can help ensure early detection and treatment of any suspicious changes in your skin.

If you or a loved one is concerned about skin cancer or has been diagnosed, Sahara Hospice Care is here to help. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. From early detection and treatment to palliative and hospice care, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve.

For more information regarding hospice care, reach out to us at your preferred time.