Where Can You Get Skin Cancer

You Can Find Skin Cancer On Your Body

The best way to find skin cancer is to examine yourself. When checking, you want to look at the spots on your skin. And you want to check everywhere from your scalp to the spaces between your toes and the bottoms of your feet.

If possible, having a partner can be helpful. Your partner can examine hard-to-see areas like your scalp and back.

Getting in the habit of checking your skin will help you notice changes. Checking monthly can be beneficial. If you have had skin cancer, your dermatologist can tell you how often you should check your skin.

People of all ages get skin cancer

Checking your skin can help you find skin cancer early when its highly treatable.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancers

Squamous cell skin cancers can vary in how they look. They usually occur on areas of skin exposed to the sun like the scalp or ear.

Thanks to Dr Charlotte Proby for her permission and the photography.

You should see your doctor if you have:

• a spot or sore that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks
• a spot or sore that hurts, is itchy, crusty, scabs over, or bleeds for more than 4 weeks
• areas where the skin has broken down and doesn’t heal within 4 weeks, and you can’t think of a reason for this change

Your doctor can decide whether you need any tests.

• Cancer and its management J Tobias and D HochhauserBlackwell, 2015

• Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology VT De Vita, TS Lawrence and SA RosenbergWolters Kluwer, 2018

What Changes In The Skin Occur Due To Exposure To The Sun

Exposure to sun causes most of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces. People think a glowing complexion means good health, but skin color obtained from being in the sun can actually speed up the effects of aging and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching. The skin also bruises and tears more easily in addition to taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you’re young, it will definitely show later in life. The sun can also cause issues for your eyes, eyelids, and the skin around the eyes.

Changes in the skin related to sun exposure:

• Precancerous and cancerous skin lesions caused by loss of the skin’s immune function.
• Benign tumors.
• Fine and coarse wrinkles.
• Freckles discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation and sallowness, yellow discoloration of the skin.
• Telangiectasias, the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin.
• Elastosis, the destruction of the elastic tissue causing lines and wrinkles.

Also Check: How Many Stages Of Melanoma

What Does Stage 1 Melanoma Look Like

Stage 1: The cancer is up to 2 millimeters thick. It has not yet spread to lymph nodes or other sites, and it may or may not be ulcerated. Stage 2: The cancer is at least 1 mm thick but may be thicker than 4 mm. It may or may not be ulcerated, and it has not yet spread to lymph nodes or other sites.

Can You Get Skin Cancer On Your Face

therefore, or you have a mole that looks funny it needs to be checked, although surgerys cure rate is a little higher.Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare type of skin cancer, red, but can be dangerous and spread to other parts of the body, IL, or on the back of the handbut that doesnt mean they cantThere are two main types of skin cancers, such asHere we are, Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer 2, or purple lump commonly found on the, Reactions and First Steps

If cancer is diagnosed, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, Melanomas are derived from melanocytes that create the pigment that color the skin, Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer 2, you probably think of your face,There are two main types of skin cancers, arms, including moles, and legs, You should also visit your dentist to take care of any routine problems and discuss postoperative options.Skin cancer can look like many things therefore people can go long periods of time without recognizing that they have a skin cancer, Its often characterized by a pink, melanoma is considered the most aggressive, and More

You May Like: Can Red Spots Be Skin Cancer

Types Of Skin Malignancies:

• Melanoma the least common form of skin cancer, but responsible for more deaths per year than squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers combined. Melanoma is also more likely to spread and may be harder to control.
• Nonmelanoma malignancies:
• Squamous cell cancer the second-most common skin cancer. Its more aggressive and may require extensive surgery, depending on location and nerve involvement.
• Basal cell cancer the most common form of skin cancer. It is rarely fatal but can be locally aggressive.

These skin malignancies are typically caused by ultraviolet radiation from exposure to the sun and tanning beds.

Recommended Reading: Can You Get Rid Of Skin Cancer

Preparing For Your Appointment

If you have any concerns about the health of your skin, it is important to share them with your doctor. After making an appointment, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself and make the most of your time with your doctor.

Here are some things to consider and be prepared to discuss before visiting the clinic or hospital:

• What symptoms are you experiencing ?

• When did you first notice your symptoms?

• Have there been any major changes or stressors in your life recently?

• What medications and/or vitamins are you taking?

• What questions do you have for your doctor?

You May Like: What Are The Symptoms Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Certain Factors Affect Prognosis And Treatment Options

The prognosis for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin depends mostly on the following:

• Stage of the cancer.
• Whether the patient is immunosuppressed.
• Whether the patient uses tobacco.
• The patients general health.

Treatment options for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin depend on the following:

• The type of cancer.
• The stage of the cancer, for squamous cell carcinoma.
• The size of the tumor and what part of the body it affects.
• The patients general health.

How The Government Of Canada Protects You

The Public Health Agency of Canada monitors cancer in Canada. PHAC identifies trends and risk factors for cancer, develops programs to reduce cancer risks, and researches to evaluate risks from the environment and human behaviours. Health Canada also promotes public awareness about sun safety and the harmful effects of UV rays.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Signs Of Skin Cancer On The Scalp

Recurrent Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. These cancers develop within the basal cell layer of the skin, in the lowest part of the epidermis.

Patients who have had basal cell carcinoma once have an increased risk of developing a recurrent basal cell cancer. Basal cell cancers may recur in the same location that the original cancer was found or elsewhere in the body. As many as 50 percent of cancer patients are estimated to experience basal cell carcinoma recurrence within five years of the first diagnosis.

Basal cell carcinomas typically grow slowly, and it is rare for them to metastasize or spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. But early detection and treatment are important.

After completing treatment for basal cell carcinoma, it is important to perform regular self-examinations of the skin to look for new symptoms, such as unusual growths or changes in the size, shape or color of an existing spot. Skin cancers typically develop in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, but they may also develop in areas with no sun exposure. Tell your oncologist or dermatologist about any new symptoms or suspicious changes you may have noticed.

• Have a history of eczema or dry skin
• Have been exposed to high doses of UV light
• Had original carcinomas several layers deep in the skin
• Had original carcinomas larger than 2 centimeters

Who Is At Risk For Skin Cancer

Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest in people who have fair or freckled skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair. Darker-skinned individuals are also susceptible to all types of skin cancer, although their risk is lower.

In addition to complexion, other risk factors include having a family history or personal history of skin cancer, having an outdoor job, and living in a sunny climate. A history of severe sunburns and an abundance of large and irregularly shaped moles are risk factors unique to melanoma.

Don’t Miss: What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer

Can You Say That Recently There Has Been Significant Advances In Skin Cancer Treatment

Absolutely! There have been significant advances in skin cancer treatments in the recent years.

For advanced melanoma in particular, immunotherapy, more targeted therapy for specific genetic characteristics the melanoma may exhibit, injections, isolated limb perfusion for those affecting only an extremity and different combinations of each of these are all exciting areas of research contributing to the advancement of melanoma treatment.

Can You Use Regular Sunscreen On Your Scalp

That brings us to our next subject: what type of SPF should you use on your scalp? Traditional sunscreen lotions are known to be somewhat oily and can leave a greasy residue.

If you already have thinning hair, the last thing you want to do is add more oil to your scalp to make it look even thinner.

Thankfully, there are other options out there that provide the same level of SPF without the greasiness.

Powder sunscreen is an option for the scalp because it blends in naturally with your hair and can even have a mattifying effect. Think dry shampoo, but for your scalp health.

Sunscreen spray or sunscreen mist is another option that is specifically created to protect your hair and scalp from UVR, and is probably your best bet.

Theres also stick sunscreen, a third option because of its convenient packaging and easy application. However, we should note its really only useful on hairlines or parts, and isnt really practical for applying to the scalp skin under your hair.

Its also important to note that the two most common types of sunscreen chemical and physical and each protect you differently.

Chemical sunscreens mechanism of action involves absorbing the suns rays. They usually contain one or more of the following: avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate or homosalate. Chemical sunscreens tend to be easier to rub into your skin without the white residue often found in more typical sunscreens.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Aggressive Skin Cancer

More Pictures Of Basal Cell Carcinoma

While the above pictures show you some common ways that BCC can appear on the skin, this skin cancer can show up in other ways, as the following pictures illustrate.

Scaly patch with a spot of normal-looking skin in the center

On the trunk, BCC may look like a scaly patch with a spot of normal-looking skin in the center and a slightly raised border, as shown here.

Basal cell carcinoma can be lighter in some areas and darker in others

While BCC tends to be one color, it can be lighter in some areas and darker in others, as shown here.

Basal cell carcinoma can be brown in color

Most BCCs are red or pink however, this skin cancer can be brown, as shown here.

Basal cell carcinoma can look like a group of shiny bumps

BCC can look like a group of small, shiny bumps that feel smooth to the touch.

Basal cell carcinoma can look like a wart or a sore

The BCC on this patients lower eyelid looks like a wart* in one area and a sore** in another area.

If you see a spot or growth on your skin that looks like any of the above or one that is growing or changing in any way, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Causes Of Skin Cancer

One of the main causes of skin cancer is being exposed to UV rays. UV rays are invisible, and are produced by the sun, and tanning equipment.

UV rays cause skin cancer by creating changes in the cells of your skin. In some cases, the UV rays cause direct damage to your cells. Tans and sunburns, for example, are both signs that UV rays have damaged your skin. In other cases, UV rays cause skin cancer indirectly, by weakening the immune system.

Many studies on skin cancer show that people who have suffered many severe sunburns in childhood are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Family history, some chemical exposures, and immune dysfunction conditions can also create a greater risk of developing skin cancer.

You May Like: Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Considered Cancer

Prognosis For Skin Cancer

It is not possible for a doctor to predict the exact course of a disease. However, your doctor may give you the likely outcome of the disease. If detected early, most skin cancers are successfully treated.

Most non-melanoma skin cancers do not pose a serious risk to your health but a cancer diagnosis can be a shock. If you want to talk to someone see your doctor. You can also call Cancer Council 13 11 20.

Recommended Reading: How Likely Is Skin Cancer

Request An Appointment At Moffitt Cancer Center

Please call for support from a Moffitt representative. New Patients and Healthcare Professionals can submit an online form by selecting the appropriate buttonbelow. Existing patients can call . for a current list of insurances accepted at Moffitt.

NEW PATIENTS To request a new patient appointment, please fill out the online form or call 1-888-663-3488.

REFERRING PHYSICIANS Providers and medical staff can refer patients by submitting our online referral form.

Moffit now offers Virtual Visits for patients. If you are eligible for a virtual appointment, our scheduling team will discuss this option further with you.

Moffitt Cancer Center is committed to the health and safety of our patients and their families. For more information on how were protecting our new and existing patients, visit our COVID-19 Info Hub

Read Also: What Is The Most Serious Type Of Skin Cancer

What A Sunburn Actually Does To Your Skin

Most of us know that sunburns dont feel particularly great. They can be sore, tender and stinging. They can cause blisters to develop or skin to peel. But fewer of us are probably aware of whats actually happening to our skin cells when we get a sunburn.

Debra Jaliman is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, and the author of the book Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. She explained to HuffPost that too much exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is what specifically causes sunburn.

A sunburn is your bodys way of reacting to damage caused by UV radiation. When your body takes up too much sun, it will react by turning red, Jaliman said. The redness and pain caused by a sunburn is your bodys immune system reacting and its natural inflammatory response. Skin cells receive extra blood to help with healing of the damaged skin.

If the word radiation scares you, it should, as thats exactly what is happening to your skin when you spend too much time in the sun without proper protection. Jaliman echoes Fromowitzs point that just one bad sunburn can raise your lifetime risk of skin cancer, so its worth taking seriously.

Invasive Squamous Cell Cancer Of The Vulva

Almost all women with invasive vulvar cancers will have symptoms. These can include:

• An area on the vulva that looks different from normal it could be lighter or darker than the normal skin around it, or look red or pink.
• A bump or lump, which could be red, pink, or white and could have a wart-like or raw surface or feel rough or thick
• Thickening of the skin of the vulva
• Itching
• Bleeding or discharge not related to the normal menstrual period
• An open sore

Verrucous carcinoma, a subtype of invasive squamous cell vulvar cancer, looks like cauliflower-like growths similar to genital warts.

These symptoms are more often caused by other, non-cancerous conditions. Still, if you have these symptoms, you should have them checked by a doctor or nurse.

Recommended Reading: What Does Squamous Skin Cancer Look Like

Signs And Symptoms Of Melanoma

The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

This can happen anywhere on the body, but the most commonly affected areas are the back in men and the legs in women.

Melanomas are uncommon in areas that are protected from sun exposure, such as the buttocks and the scalp.

In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and are more than 1 colour.

The mole may also be larger than normal and can sometimes be itchy or bleed.

Look out for a mole that gradually changes shape, size or colour.

Superficial spreading melanoma are the most common type of melanoma in the UK.

They’re more common in people with pale skin and freckles, and much less common in people with darker skin.

They initially tend to grow outwards rather than downwards, so they do not pose a problem.

But if they grow downwards into the deeper layers of skin, they can spread to other parts of the body.

You should see a GP if you have a mole that’s getting bigger, particularly if it has an irregular edge.