Prevent Skin Cancer with Routine Exams at Minars Dermatology

Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (it accounts for half of all cancer cases). There are many types of “skin cancer” but the most common forms are those caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Certainly, the most common forms in South Florida are those related to the sun. For these skin cancers, it is useful to think in terms of “melanoma”’ and “non-melanoma” skin cancers.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid excessive sun exposure.

• Avoid the sun during peak hours (10am to 2pm)
• Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 for everyday use; SPF 30 when you know you will be in the sun)
• REAPPLY sunscreen – the most common mistake is to apply sunscreen in the morning and consider yourself safe for the day; you must reapply every two hours that you are out in the sun, and after swimming
• PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN – it is estimated that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18

Routine Skin Exams

• If you have any risk factors for skin cancer, see Dr. Minars at least once every year
• If you notice any sores that don’t heal after one month, make an appointment with Dr. Minars and show him
• If you notice any new or changing lesions (especially moles), make an appointment with Dr. Minars and show him (ALL SKIN CANCER CAN BE CURED WHEN TREATED EARLY!)

Skin Cancer – Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma (40,000 to 50,000 cases per year)
Luckily, melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is the most dangerous. Every year over 7,000 Americans die from melanoma., but it is almost always curable when detected in its early stages. The photos illustrate typical melanoma lesions, but these lesions would alarm anybody enough to seek medical attention. The key to detecting melanomas early is to “know your moles” and show any new or changing lesions to Dr. Minars.

Skin Cancer – Non Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) (300,000 to 400,000 cases per year)
This is by far the most common form of skin cancer. While reviewing the photos, notice the “pearly” or “shiny” quality of these skin tumors; this is characteristic. These lesions occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on sun exposed areas (face, arms, and legs).

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) (80,000 to 100,000 cases per year)
This is the second most common form of skin cancer. These lesions commonly occur on the face, scalp, lips or ears. A good rule of thumb is that a sore that doesn’t heal (for more than a month) should be considered a skin cancer until proven otherwise.

What is Mohs Sugery?
The Mohs procedure is used to remove skin cancers, most frequently basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.