How to prevent, diagnose and treat skin cancer

Skin cancer can be highly treatable, especially if detected early. The key, says Maureen V. Hill, MD, a board-certified surgical oncologist with Valley Health, is avoiding harmful sun exposure, knowing the warning signs and seeking prompt care.

Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?

A: The most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They are slow-growing and are easily treated with small procedures, like excision or ablation. Melanoma, however, is the type of skin cancer with the greatest likelihood of spreading. It can be curable if caught early, but it is very important to know the risk factors, signs and symptoms.

Q: WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SKIN CANCER?

A: Sun damage is the most common cause of skin cancer. Sun damage accumulates over time, so the more sunburns you’ve had in your life the greater your risk. Fairer-skinned people are more likely to get sunburns, increasing their risk of skin cancer. There are also genetic predispositions for melanoma, and certain medications can put you at higher risk for skin cancer, including immunosuppressive medications.

Q: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER TO LOOK FOR?

A: Check for new moles or growths that are changing in appearance. One way to remember the warning signs of melanoma is to know the ABCDEs:

• A is for asymmetrical growths or moles.

• B is for irregular borders.

• C is for changes in color.

• D is for growing diameter.

• E is for evolution or changes over time.

Q: WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER?

A: Avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds. The safest thing is to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Remember to reapply it frequently. Wide-brimmed hats are also great, as is clothing treated with SPF.

Q: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A MOLE OR GROWTH?

A: Contact your primary care physician or dermatologist promptly. Either provider can do a skin biopsy to evaluate whether the mole is cancerous. If the diagnosis is melanoma, the lesion will be removed surgically; you may also need a lymph node biopsy to see if it has spread. In the event it has spread, we refer patients to medical oncology to discuss treatment options, which can include immunotherapy. We offer the full breadth of surgical and medical treatments to patients with both early and late-stage skin cancer.