No matter what your age is, we all need to protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. There are many environmental sources of these harmful rays, with the most common being sunlight and tanning booths. Anyone can develop a skin cancer at any age. There are some factors that do increase the chance of skin cancers in some people, such as, blistering sunburns, fair complexion, family history of skin cancers, occupations that require being outdoors, and having several large or irregular shaped moles.
When wondering if a mole or skin lesion could be a potential cancer, keep these things in mind. The mole should not be irregular shaped, raised in areas, have different shades of color and the size should not be larger than the end of a pencil eraser.
There are three main types of skin cancers. Basal Cell carcinoma, is the least aggressive skin cancer. It is a slow growing cancer that most often does not spread. These most often appear on the face and extremities. Squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive than a basal cell. They will often appear on the lips, nose, and ears. This cancer will spread to lymph nodes if not treated and excised. Both the basal and squamous cell cancers can appear as a red scaley patch, crusted cores or a “pimple” lesion that does not resolve. The third and most aggressive type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and organs. If treated in the early stages it can be cured. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body. They are often found between fingers and toes, bottoms of the feet, or in body creases and folds. Children that are born with dark moles should have these examined by a physician. Many congenital moles have the potential to develop into a melanoma.
Plastic surgeons are skilled in diagnosing and treating skin cancers. As plastic surgeons we will excise the area of concern. An incision is made around the lesion and will extend down to include both skin layers. The incision will then be closed and the tissue will be sent to a pathologist to be examined for cancer cells.
Click here for a printable brochure on skin cancer (Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Plastic Surgery Associates in Sioux Falls 911 E 20th St. Suite 602, Sioux Falls, SD (605) 335-3349 or 1-800-666-3349 Plastic Surgery Associates at the Dunes 612 Sioux Point Rd., Suite 600 Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 (605) 232-9720 or 1-888-719-9720
