50+ Lifestyles

Skin Cancer: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

By David J. Aaenstad, MD, FACS
Davenport Surgical Group, PC

In a rural state like Iowa, where many residents work and play outdoors, skin cancer is common. The incidence of skin cancer is on the rise. Risk factors include age, exposure to sunlight and UV radiation and genetic predisposition. People who develop a blistering sunburn have an increased risk for developing skin cancer.

Risks can be reduced with simple preventative steps to minimize exposure to intense sunlight. Use sunblock with a minimum SPF rating of thirty, avoid peak hours of sunlight and wear a hat and a long sleeved shirt. Consider a screening skin examination or consult with a genetic counselor if you have a family history. Avoid tanning beds.

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. These cancers behave differently and their contrasting natures could be categorized as “good,” “bad,” and “ugly.” Basal cell is “good” natured. Although cancerous, it does not spread and is cured with appropriate surgical treatment. The behavior of squamous cell cancer is “bad.” It can grow rapidly and occasionally spreads. Melanoma’s nature can be downright “ugly.” It’s ability to spread to the lymph nodes or through the bloodstream to other organs makes it potentially lethal Melanoma is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in young, healthy individuals.

Skin growths or moles that demonstrate changes in appearance or symptoms are suspicious. Symptoms of bleeding, itching or nonhealing are warning signs. When examining pigmented moles, watch for the ABCDE signs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variability, Diameter (bigger than 5-6 mm) and Evolving changes.

When skin cancer develops, diagnosis and appropriate treatment is often surgical. Initially a small surgical biopsy of a suspicious lesion can confirm the diagnosis. Small or minor cancers can sometimes be treated medically. Treatment of large or high risk cancers requires surgical removal with a surrounding margin of normal skin. The removal of nearby lymph nodes may also be necessary. Resection should be done by a surgeon with appropriate technical expertise. Treatment can usually be managed as an outpatient. With early detection, surgical treatment is curative in the majority of cases. Surgeons at Davenport Surgical Group are trained to treat these types of conditions.

David J. Aaenstad, MD, FACS is a physician at Davenport Surgical Group PC. For more information call (563) 823-9300.