Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month 2013

By Nurse Diane

My Father-in -law was self-employed.  He was one of the first in his community to write programs for the computer for companies for their billing.  He was also great in computer repairs, which was all very unusual since he had never been trained or studied any type of computer technology.  He taught himself by trying different things, and when he found something that worked, he would load his stuff in his van and go from town to town selling his ideas.   He drove an old emptied out work van, no seats or frills like air conditioning.  During the hot Mississippi Summer he would ride with his window down and his arm hanging out.   After many years of this he developed a small spot on his arm.  It was an unusual shape; it concerned him so he visited his doctor to get it checked.

He was fortunate.  He was diagnosed with a skin cancer, had it removed, the area healed, and he had no other problem.  He also started wearing long sleeved shirts or applying sunscreen when he went out in his van.

Although summer doesn't officially start until June 21, the temperatures are already soaring in some states, and hibernating people are once again outside enjoying the fresh air and fun.  This is the perfect time to remind you of the possibilities of skin cancer, and ways to prevent it.

To detect a possible Melanoma or skin cancer, there is a checklist that follows the abc's.

A:  Asymmetry, where half of the spot is different from the other half

B:  Border, where the mole is irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.

C:  Color, where the mole has different shades of tan, brown, black, and sometimes white, red or blue.

D:  Diameter, where the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser

E:  Evolving, or changing in size or shape.

More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in more than 2 million people. There are simple measures you can take to prevent getting skin cancer.  Staying out of the sun, wearing protective clothing if you are out, and use sun screen all the time you are outside.  If you do notice a spot or mole pop up, get it checked by your doctor right away; early detection is the key for a quick recovery.  So have a great summer, but stay safe too!

(Images from Google) 

Melanoma Monday

May 2, 2011

Cancer awareness can be seen everywhere.  If you see something pink, you almost always think of breast cancer.   See smoke, you think of lung cancer.  Men worry about prostate cancer.  Cancer is a subject that weighs heavily on people's minds and hearts.  Nearly everyone has a friend, family member or neighbor that has either experienced cancer, or knows someone who has.   Organizations across the world hold numerous fund raisers to aid in finding a cure.  However, something you may not know, the number one form of cancer is skin cancer.  There are over 1 million new cases every year!   It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal.

Risk factors for developing skin cancer:

·       exposure to sun;

·       age ( usually appears after age 50, however the damage begins early in life);

·       fair skin;

·       exposure to ultraviolet radiation such as tanning beds;

·       therapeutic radiation such as radiation treatment for other cancer; and

·       weak immune system either by disease or medication.

Diagnosis:

·       once a growth or sore is noticed, your doctor will perform a biopsy which is done by taking a scraping of the area.  The shaved cells are then examined under a microscope to determine if there are any cancerous cells.

Treatment:

·       There are several different methods for treating skin cancer, it depends on the size and location, so each treatment plan is individualized for the best possible method.

·       Curettage and desiccation: Dermatologists often prefer this method, which consists of scooping out the basal cell carcinoma by using a spoon like instrument called a curette. Desiccation is the additional application of an electric current to control bleeding and kill the remaining cancer cells. The skin heals without stitching. This technique is best suited for small cancers in non-crucial areas such as the trunk and extremities.

·       Surgical excision.

·       Radiation Therapy.

·       Cryosurgy using liquid nitrogen and freezing the area.

·       Medication therapy using creams.

Prevention:

·       limiting recreational sun exposure;

·       avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times (the hours surrounding noon);

·       wearing broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while outdoors in the sun;

·       Use sunscreen;

·       Regular check-ups and report any suspicious skin changes; and

·       Avoid using tanning beds.

As my daddy says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Use common sense while outdoors, however if you do notice new or unusual changes in you skin, seek treatment quickly.  There is a 90% chance of full recovery.