Cáncer de Piel

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Skin cancer arises from uncontrolled growth of skin cells, often due to UV exposure.

There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the least common but most fatal because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Síntomas

A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer – this could be a new growth, a sore that won’t heal, or a change in the appearance of a mole. Not all skin cancers look the same.

Talk with your health care provider if you notice the following changes in your skin or notice any of the signs of melanoma:

ABCDEs of melanoma:

• Asimétrico: ¿Tiene una forma irregular con dos partes que se ven muy diferentes?
• Borde: ¿El borde es irregular o mellado?
• Color: ¿El color es desigual?
• Diámetro: ¿Es más grande que el tamaño de un guisante?
• Evolución: ¿Ha cambiado durante las últimas semanas o meses?

Also watch for moles that itch, bleed, or look significantly different from others (‘ugly duckling sign’).

Risk Factors

• Excessive UV exposure from sunlight or tanning beds
• Having fair skin that sunburns easily
• A history of sunburns in childhood and adolescence
• Presence of numerous or atypical moles
• Family history of skin cancer

Prevención

Applying sun protection should be an everyday habit that will help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer when enjoying the Florida sunshine. In addition, regular sunscreen use reduces melanoma risk by up to 50%, according to studies.*

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30
• Avoid tanning beds
• Wear protective clothing and seek shade during peak sun hours
• Regularly examine your skin for changes

Screening

Regular skin examinations by a health care provider and monthly self-examinations are recommended, especially for individuals at higher risk. Your health care provider may do a physical examination of any concerning spots on the skin. Based off an initial exam, your doctor might order a skin biopsy if cancer is suspected.

There are multiple stages of skin cancer which might require further testing, such as CT scans or MRI scans, to determine if the cancer has spread.

* Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jan 20;29(3):257–63; Wu S, Han J, Laden F, Qureshi AA. Long-term ultraviolet flux, other potential risk factors, and skin cancer risk: a cohort study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014;23(6):1080–1089.; Dennis LK, Beane Freeman LE, VanBeek MJ. Sunscreen use and the risk for melanoma: a quantitative review. Ann Intern Med. 2003;139(12):966–978.; WHO’s Sun Protection: A Primary Teaching Resource supports sunscreen for melanoma prevention when combined with other sun safety behaviors.