Squamous cell cancer Squamous cell cancer accounts for about 2 out of 10 skin cancers; it starts in the upper part of the epidermis, most often on skin that has been exposed to the sun, like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. It can also start within scars or skin ulcers elsewhere. Squamous cell carcinomas are more likely than basal cell carcinomas to spread into fatty tissues just beneath the skin. They are also more likely to spread to nearby lymph nodes (the bean-shaped collections of immune system cells) or to distant parts of the body, but this is not common.
Melanoma While skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, melanoma accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer cases. So it is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more dangerous, and causes most of the deaths from skin cancer. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, starting most often on the chest or back in men and on the legs of women, but it can start in other places, too. Melanoma can almost always be cured in its early stages. But it is likely to spread to other parts of the body if it is not caught early. The American Cancer Society estimates that for this year about 76,250 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed and death will result in 9,180 of those patients. The number of new cases of melanoma in the United States has been increasing for at least 30 years. Overall, the lifetime risk of getting melanoma is about 1 in 50 for whites, 1 in 1,000 for blacks, and 1 in 200 for Hispanics. Risk factors for melanoma include exposure to UV rays, having moles on your body, having lighter, fair skin and red hair, a family history of melanoma, or having
melanoma in the past, and suffering from a weakened immune system.
Recommended: a skin exam Once melanoma has been identified, your cancer care team will recommend treatment options. Early stage cancers can often be treated well with surgery alone, but more advanced cancers often need other treatments which may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Dr. Kumar reports that even though skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it can be tricky for some patients to see as it can have different appearances depending on the type of growth. He recommends a cancer-related checkup, including a skin exam when you have your regular health exams. “Skin cancer is directly related to UV exposure,” Dr. Kumar said. “And it’s not just the summer sun that is dangerous — it is important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays no matter the season and to have your skin checked during your regular health checkups.” While avoiding sun exposure entirely is impossible, he advises using a product daily that contains a SPF of 30, wearing protective clothing including a hat and sunshades for your eyes, and staying out of direct sunlight midday. Dr. Kumar recommends being outdoors early in the morning or later in the day when the UV rays are not as strong. He stresses that “Cancer is a growing health problem that will soon surpass heart disease in our region.” For more information on Southcoast’s cancer services visit www.southcoast.org/ cancercare/
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
Nobody does this alone
it is important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays no matter the season and to have your skin checked during your regular health checkups.
877-822-2732 www.southcoast.org/cancer Fairhaven 206 Mill Road Fairhaven, MA 02719 Fall River 506 Prospect Street Fall River, MA 02720
Cara Connelly is a freelance writer who recently completed her first children’s book, has published in several New England magazines, the Standard Times and whatitcosts.com. She lives in Dartmouth with her three sons, Keegan, Colin and Cole.
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