Untreated skin cancer can result in catastrophic outcomes, which is a tragedy considering that when it’s found early it’s highly treatable. Approximately one-fifth of the population will get a skin cancer diagnosis before reaching the age of 70, demonstrating how common this disease is. In fact, the number of skin cancer diagnoses exceeds that of all other cancers put together. More than two Americans lose their lives to skin cancer each hour.  The good news is that early detection and prompt treatment can lead to very favorable skin cancer survival rates.

The spectrum of skin cancer types

Encouraging skin cancer awareness is one of the best ways to help everyone understand the causes, risk factors and treatment options available. There are three common kinds of skin cancer and they are determined by where the cancer starts. The most aggressive form, melanoma, usually requires the most intensive skin cancer treatment.

Melanoma: The most aggressive form

Melanoma develops in the body’s pigment cells, called melanocytes. It accounts for about 1% of skin cancer cases , yet more than half of the deaths  caused by skin cancer are melanoma-related. Melanoma can spread with alarming speed. Early detection with skin cancer screening increases the likelihood of successful removal through excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. If it spreads, radiation treatment or chemotherapy may be necessary. However, once it reaches the advanced stage, even chemotherapy can fail to cure melanoma cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma: common but treatable

When the cancer starts in the skin’s basal cells , which produce new skin cells, it’s known as basal cell carcinoma. The vast majority of skin cancer cases fall into this category. Even though it is the slowest-spreading form of skin cancer, it still requires treatment. Untreated basal cell carcinoma can result in several health concerns, including the formation of ulcers, infections and permanent facial deformities that require reconstructive surgery. Treatment for this type of skin cancer gets increasingly complex, invasive and expensive when the tumor grows untreated for extended periods. This is another reason skin cancer early detection and screening are so important.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Key features and risks

Squamous cell carcinoma  begins in cells that help to form the outer layer of the skin, called squamous cells for their flattened, scale-like shape. It is the second-most prevalent kind of skin cancer. This type of cancer often develops in the ear, mouth or temple areas. It can make your skin quite painful to touch, even if you don’t notice any other symptoms. Certain patients may experience odd sensations such as numbness, tingling, or itching. Patches of red, scaly skin are early signs of squamous cell carcinoma. More extensive surgery may be necessary if treatment is delayed.

The impact of untreated skin cancer

Skin cancer statistics  point to the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

• The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is over 99%. The survival rate falls to 74% when the disease reaches the lymph nodes and 35% when the disease metastasizes to distant organs.
• An estimated 8,290 people will die of melanoma in 2024 in the U.S.
• The number of nonmelanoma skin cancers diagnosed and treated in the United States rose by 77% from 1994 to 2014.
• Nonmelanoma skin cancer claims the lives of almost 5,400 individuals a month around the globe.

When skin cancer is left untreated for an extended period, more extreme measures will likely be required to cure it. Among the many psychological and emotional side effects of skin cancer is anxiety. Not treating skin cancer also increases your risk  of developing other types of cancer.

Recognizing skin cancer symptoms

Skin cancer is often difficult to see because it can grow in inconspicuous parts of the body, such as the scalp or the soles of the feet. Skin cancer symptoms may also differ in appearance depending on the patient’s skin tone. For instance, those with a lighter complexion may see a cancer as brown, crimson, or even black. For those with darker skin, a tumor can be a matter of texture rather than color .

When you know what signs and symptoms to look for, you can spot cancer at an early, more treatable stage, before it causes permanent damage or death. The signs depend on the type of cancer, but some of the most common signs of skin cancer include:

• Development of a hard lump, known as a nodule. The nodule’s appearance may vary, or it may match the skin’s hue. Skin tone determines whether it appears pink, red, black, or brown.
• A thin, crusty sore on the skin.
• A newly formed sore or a raised surface on an existing scar.
• Lips that are rough and scaly or have open sores.
• A painful or rough area inside the mouth.

The role of skin cancer screening and diagnosis

The success rate of treating skin cancer is much higher when caught early with regular screening. To avoid more drastic measures like surgery or chemotherapy, it’s crucial to intervene quickly to stop the cancer from metastasizing. To get the best results, it’s best to examine your skin frequently and see a dermatologist if you notice any changes that might be cause for concern.

Professional screenings vs. self-examinations

Performing self-examinations entails routinely examining your skin for the appearance or change of any moles, spots or lesions. For a more thorough form of skin cancer detection, it’s best to visit a dermatologist once a year. Both approaches work hand in hand. However, those with greater skin cancer risk factors should have more frequent screenings.

Prevention: The best strategy against skin cancer

Most cases are preventable . When people are aware of skin cancer causes, they are better able to protect themselves from the sun and maintain healthy skin. This is why learning about the things that put you at risk and doing what you can to avoid them are key to lowering your chances of getting skin cancer.

Risk factors and how to mitigate them

Sunlight is directly responsible for 90% of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases.

There are many other risk factors for skin cancer, including:

• Having light-colored skin or eyes
• Being out in the sun too much
• Using a tanning bed
• History of sunburns
• History of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Xeroderma pigmentosum (a genetic disorder)
• Human papillomavirus infection (HPV).
• Wounds or scars that remain on the skin for a long time

Skin cancer prevention tips:

• Avoid overexposure to the sun
• Wear sunscreen outdoors
• Dress in protective clothing that covers your whole body
• Wear sunglasses
• Avoid using the tanning bed
• Perform regular skin exams once a month
• Schedule cancer screenings at least once a year

Consequences of delayed or no treatment

The Dermatology Department at Florida Medical Clinic provides a range of services for better skin health, emphasizing our dedication to skin cancer prevention methods and treatment options. Our skilled dermatologists specialize in dermatopathology and minor surgeries to address skin disorders and potential skin cancer growth. We offer surgical procedures for mole and tumor removal, as well as medical and surgical interventions tailored to manage skin cancer effectively. Our coordinated care model enables seamless communication among specialists to deliver personalized and efficient skin cancer treatment options for each patient. Call us today at 813-780-8085.

About Dr. Noura Ayoubi, MD

Dr. Ayoubi is a board-certified dermatologist with a focus on skin cancer screening and surgery, cosmetic rejuvenation, and medical dermatology. She attended the University of South Florida, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. She then earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at the USF Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery.

She believes that every patient deserves to feel heard and empowered in their care. Skin conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and self-esteem, so she strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Ultimately, her goal is to help patients not only achieve healthy skin, but also feel confident and informed every step of the way.