Skin Conditions...Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant)
cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. The skin has two
main layers and several kinds of cells. The top layer of skin is
called the epidermis. It contains three kinds of cells:
• flat, scaly cells on the surface call squamous cells,
• round cells called basal cells, and
• cells call melanocytes, which gives your skin its color.
There are several types of cancer
that start in the skin. The most common are basal cell cancer and
squamous cell cancer. These types of skin cancer are called non-melanoma
skin cancer. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the
melanocytes. It is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell
skin cancer, but it is much more serious. Other kinds of cancer
that may affect the skin include cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a cancer
of the lymph system, and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who
have been exposed to sunburns and sunlight, and is most common in
places that have been exposed to more sunlight, such as your face,
neck, hands, and arms. Skin cancer can have many different appearances.
The most common signs of skin cancer are:
• a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't
heal,
• a smooth, shiny, and waxy looking lump, that is reddish
brown, or
• a flat red spot that is rough or scaly.
Not all changes in your skin are cancer, but you should see your
doctor if you notice changes in your skin. Like most cancers, skin
cancer is best treated when it is found early. If you have a spot
or lump on your skin, your doctor may remove the growth and look
at the tissue under a microscope.
Treatment may include one of the following:
• topical chemotherapy
• cryosurgery (freezing)
• electrodesiccation and curettage (burning)
• sanding the top layer of skin (dermabrasion)
• shaving the very top layer of skin, and
• laser therapy
CANCER INFORMATION
The American Cancer Society (ACS) Cancer AnswerLine is available
Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, at (800) ACS 2345. The ACS
AnswerLine can answer questions about cancer and cancer-related
services in your community. They offer free publications about cancer,
as well. Your local ACS has many free services. Their local offices
are listed in the white pages of your telephone book.
The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Information Service
at
(800) 4-CANCER can answer questions about cancer. The NCI can also
send you booklets. You can also write to the NCI at this address:
National Cancer Institute, Office of Cancer Communications, 31 Center
Drive, MSC 2580, Bethesda, MD 20892-2580.
Your health care plan, local hospital or regional cancer center
are other sources for cancer information.
Cancer Support groups: The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
provides information and resources on support and life after a cancer
diagnosis. Call (301) 650-8868 or write to National Coalition for
Cancer Survivorship, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 300, Silver Springs,
MD 20910.
Your health care plan may cover individual and family counseling.
If not, speak to the health care plan social worker about mental
health resources in your community.
Many hospitals consider some form of group counseling a necessary
part of cancer treatment. These groups are run by professionals.
They help those faced with cancer explore their feelings. Some groups
meet only during hospitalization, while others are long-term. Some
groups are just for patients, while others include spouses, family
members, and other special people. These groups also provide an
opportunity to exchange treatment tips and hints, as well as give
support and information to help patients, families and friends gain
some control over their lives.
Faith is a source of strength for many people. Members of the clergy
can provide comfort and solace. Some are trained to minister to
those coping with life-threatening illnesses. Contact the faith
community of your choice. The chaplain of your local hospital will
be able to guide you to clergy who are experienced in supporting
those after a cancer diagnosis.
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Treatments:
• Mohs
Surgery
• General Cutaneous Surgery
Related Information
To learn more about pre-malignant skin lesions, skin cancers and
melanoma call:
The
American Cancer Society
at (800) ACS-2345
or
The National Cancer
Institute
at (800) 4-CANCER.
The Skin Cancer Foundation
Texas Cancer Data Center
Cancer Gateway
of Texas
Types of Skin Cancer
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