Skin Cancer

Most common cancer in US Fastest increasing cancer in US 1,000,000 people had some form of skin cancer in 2003

Skin Cancer
Three main types -- basal-cell -- squamous-cell -- melanoma The main difference between melanomas and other skin cancers is that melanoma can metastasize (spread) to distant body sites including the lungs, liver or brain.

The Skin & Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Melanoma
*Seventh most common cancer in the United States. *One out of every 105 Americans born in 1991 will develop malignant melanoma (compared to 1 out of 1,500 in 1935). *The number of new cases of melanoma has more than doubled since 1973.

Melanoma (cont.)
Most common cancer in young adults age 25-29 Among women age 30-35, incidence is exceeded only by breast cancer Incidence increasing 4% annually, higher than any other cancer On average, one melanoma death in the U.S. per hour

Melanoma (cont.)
Increase is the result of recreational sun exposure, thinning of the ozone layer, and better detection. In 2001, an estimated 48,000 new cases of melanoma occurred. In 2003, 54,000 new cases occurred In 2000, skin cancer claimed the lives of 9,600 people.

ABCDs
Asymmetry Border Color Diameter

Asymmetry

One half does not match the other half.

Border irregularity

The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.

Color

The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, or black are present. A mottled appearance.

Diameter
Greater than inch. Any sudden or continuing increase in size is of special concern.

Normal Mole

Malignant

Mole

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

UVA UVB - UVC
The sun radiates energy over a broad spectrum of wavelengths. UV radiation, which has a shorter wavelength than visible blue or violet light, is responsible for sunburns and other health effects: Skin cancer Cataracts Suppression of the immune system Premature aging of the skin

Sunburns
We found an increased risk of melanoma related to the frequency of sunburns during all periods of life. More than five sunburns doubled the melanoma risk, irrespective of the time in life.
British Journal of Dermatology (2001)

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Causes -It is not certain how - melanoma develop.

-However- excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns early in life, can promote melanoma development. -There is evidence that ultraviolet radiation used in indoor tanning equipment may cause melanoma. - inherited.

CAUSES-CONT Immunosuppressionimpairment of the immune system, which protects the body from foreign entities, such as germs or substances that cause an allergic reaction. This may occur -due to medications prescribed to combat autoimmune diseases or prevent organ transplant rejection.

Types
Lentigo maligna melanoma usually occurs in the elderly. It is most common in sundamaged skin on the face, neck, and arms. The abnormal skin areas are usually large, flat, and tan with intermixed areas of brown.

Symptoms
Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole. Most melanomas have a black or blue-black area. Melanoma also may appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal, or "ugly looking."

Treatments are:- surgery, -radiation therapy, -and chemotherapy. -Surgery requires removal of part of the skin. -Radiation therapy involves the use of highenergy rays to destroy cancer cells. -Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer medications given intravenously or taken by mouth.