As May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it is a good time to learn more about skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States, greatly exceeding the combined number of breast, lung and colon cancers diagnosed each year.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over two million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 90 percent of all of skin cancers, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are caused by overgrowth of cells at the bottom-most layer of skin called the epidermis. They typically appear on skin areas which receive the most sun exposure, like the face or neck, as a small lump or a rough spot which never heals. Skin damage caused by sun’s ultraviolet rays is a contributing factor in nine out of ten cases of all skin cancers, according to many studies.

Without treatment, these cancers grow larger and, in the case of squamous cell carcinoma, may spread within the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Treatment consists of office-based surgery performed with a local anesthetic by a Windsor Dermatology physician.

Melanoma is a skin cancer caused by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, cells in the epidermis that produce skin pigment. While less common, it causes 75 percent of skin cancer-related deaths. Untreated, melanoma can spread throughout the body. In 2010, melanoma caused 8,700 deaths in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute.

Melanoma appears as a change in the color or shape of an existing mole, causing the mole to darken and enlarge with an irregular border. Surgery (see related story) to remove the tumor is the primary treatment for melanoma.

Early detection of skin cancer greatly improves a patient’s chances for successful treatment. With melanoma, early diagnosis can be life-saving. If you have an irregular or uneven mole, a pimple or pink spot that doesn’t go away or chronic rough areas of skin, consult Windsor Dermatology without delay. You may schedule an appointment by calling 609.443.4500 or visiting www.WindsorDermatology.com.

A message from your physicians at Windsor Dermatology

Named after physician Frederick Mohs (pronounced “moze”), Mohs surgery is a specialized treatment for the removal of skin cancer with a 97 percent cure rate. Mohs surgery is especially effective in treating basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer and cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face and ears because it can eliminate cancer cells while causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin.

Matthew Halpern, M.D., of Windsor Dermatology specializes in Mohs surgery. Dr. Halpern is Board Certified in dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Though most skin cancer is usually visible to the naked eye, microscopic cancer cells extend outside of the central cancer. If these are not removed, the cancer may reappear. Dr. Halpern’s surgical expertise ensures the entire skin cancer is cured while removing as little healthy skin as possible.

It’s important to call Windsor Dermatology if you have a mole that has changed in color or size or a new skin condition that is unusual to you.

To learn more about Mohs skin cancer surgery, visit www.WindsorDermatology.com.

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Numerous studies have found an association between sunburns and increased risk for skin cancer. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer and should be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. Be sure to apply it to all exposed areas and pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly―most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount. Sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, even on a cloudy day, or after swimming or perspiring heavily.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing water-resistant sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. In addition, the Academy recently introduced the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ to help consumers choose products providing the sun protection recommended by dermatologists.

Avoid tanning salons or use of sun lamps. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds and sun lamps as a known carcinogen―a cancer-causing substance.

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