05 Jun Summer Sun Can Equal Skin Cancer
Scottsdale Plastic Surgery and Skin Cancer
It’s hard to believe that summer is already upon us. It seems like only a few short weeks ago spring was newly arriving. But like it or not its here and with summer comes the risk of too much sun. Today’s blog will focus on how too much Sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.
We certainly all need the sun in our lives. The Sun is necessary for our bodies to make certain vitamins. But the Sun, just like all other things, needs to be used in moderation when it comes to exposure. Did you know that Arizona ranks first of all U.S. states for cases of skin cancer. Only the country of Australia consistently has more cases of skin cancer. We all have different skin types and depending on our overall pigmentation some of us can take more of the Sun’s radiation without ill effects than others. I will focus on the proper sunscreen in an upcoming blog but today’s blog will deal with what to look for when someone suspects skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Types
There are three main types of skin cancers that patients may develop.
Basal Cell Cancer
They include: Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Melanoma. Basal Cell is by far the most common. It is caused by cumulative exposure to the Sun and usually develops in a patients 6th decade of life (although it can certainly be sooner). Basal cell cancers usually are slow growing and have the basic appearance of a shallow crater within the skin. They can present as a tender area that bleeds easily if scratched and never quite seems to heal.
Fortunately, basal cell cancers are easily treated. If you suspect anything please see a board certified physician.
Squamous Cell Cancer
Next are squamous cell cancers of the skin. These shouldn’t be confused with other types of squamous cell cancers that can arise in your lungs or GI tract. Squamous cell cancers are more aggressive than basal cell cancers in general. They tend to occur later in life (compared to basal cell cancer) and are also due to a lifetime of sun exposure. They can occur anywhere on the skin surface but when they occur on the face they typically are found on the ears, nose or lower lip. These are all areas that tend to be ignored by patients when it comes to sunscreen and subsequently they tend to get sunburned over time. These cancers are more aggressive both in appearance as well as behavior. If you suspect anything like this see your doctor.
Melanoma Cancer
Last and certainly not least is melanoma. Melanomas are the worst types of skin cancers to get in terms of how aggressive they can become. Patients who get melanomas typically fall into one of two categories. One category of patient has a genetic predisposition to develop melanoma. Meaning, they were born with a mole that always had a higher chance of eventually becoming a melanoma during their lifetime. The second category of patient is the type who received blistering sunburns over their lifetimes. So the person who is the construction worker and is always out in the sun for years and years is a candidate for basal cell or squamous cell later in life. While the fair-complected child who gets horrible blistering sunburns a few times a year is more a candidate for melanomas. Melanomas typically appear like a changing mole.
So please remember the sunscreen this summer. If you suspect that you might be getting a skin cancer please see your local physician or call our office at 480-282-8386.
About Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon Dr. Parson
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Shaun Parson and our team of professionals have performed thousands of breast augmentations, breast lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction procedures, and other cosmetic surgeries in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas for nearly 15 years. To learn more about how you can repair the sun damage check out Dr. Parson’s dermabrasion services.