text: “Should you be diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, your dermatologist will discuss with you the various dermatologic surgical options for treatment” says Ioannides. “They may perform a simple surgical excision, in which the skin cancer is cut out and the skin is sewn together using dermatologic cosmetic techniques. Other treatment methods such as cryosurgery, radiation therapy, and laser therapy may also be used in certain circumstances. My practice is also capable of performing Mohs micrographic surgery, which is a specialized surgery in which a minimal amount of tissue is removed and all the edges of the removed specimen are carefully studied to ensure the complete removal of the cancerous cells. Most dermatologists agree that skin cancers that were previously treated and have come back, incompletely removed skin cancers, large skin cancers, and skin cancers in cosmetically important areas may benefit from the Mohs technique.”
  The second-most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. More than 250,000 new squamous cell carcinomas are diagnosed every year in the U.S., with middle-aged and elderly persons — especially those with fair complexions and frequent sun exposure — most likely to be affected. The squamous cells are flat, thin cells in the middle and upper layer of the epidermis, and like basal cell carcinoma the cancer is formed when the cell’s DNA mutates to begin growing cells out of control and continue living where normal cells would die. If treated in a timely manner, it is uncommon for squamous cell carcinoma to spread to other areas of the body, and also like basal cell carcinoma most of the DNA mutations in the squamous skin cells are caused by ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight and in commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds.
  In terms of appearances, squamous cell carcinomas often arise from small sandpaper-like growths called solar or actinic keratoses on your scalp, the backs of your hands, your ears or your lips. It can also less commonly appear as a firm red nodule, a new sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer, A rough, scaly patch on your lip that may evolve to an open sore, a red sore or rough patch inside your mouth, or a red, raised patch or wart-like sore on or in the anus or on your genitals. This type of skin cancer is usually localized in its destruction, and if left untreated can destroy much of the tissue surrounding the originating location of the tumor and may result in the loss of a nose or ear. Although not common, certain aggressive types of untreated squamous cell carcinomas can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs.
  Again, early detection is the key to preventing the devastating spread of skin cancer, so keeping an eye out for any change in appearance to your skin is vital, especially if you work or are in the position where your sun exposure is above average. Of diagnosis, Dr. Ioannides says “Dermatologists use a variety of different surgical treatment options depending on location of the tumor, size of the tumor, microscopic characteristics of the tumor, health of the patient, and other factors. Most treatment options are relatively minor office-based procedures that require only local anesthesia. Surgical excision to remove the entire cancer is the most commonly used treatment option. Mohs micrographic surgery can also be used to treat this form of cancer.”
  Melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – is increasing in the United States rapidly. For someone born in 1930, the risk of developing malignant melanoma at some point in their lives was then 1 in 1500. A baby born today has a lifetime risk of 1 in 55. Like squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma develops in the epidermis layer of the skin, but unlike the other two it is more likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Melanoma forms with a mutation of the DNA in melanocytes, cells that make the brown pigment called melanin which gives the skin and hair it’s tan or brown color.
  Most often like the other skin cancers, melanoma forms where the skin has been most exposed to sun such as the back, arms, legs, and face. Because of its development in the skin cells that produce melanin, in these places melanoma most often occurs as a pigmented (tan or brown) area of skin. This is why it is especially important to check all existing moles — as well as any new ones that may pop up — for changes in size, color, shape, elevation, surface texture, surrounding skin, sensation, or consistency. However, melanoma can also occur in areas that don’t receive much sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. It can also occur under the nail bed, in the mucous membrane that lines the nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract and vagina, and even in the eye.
  Of melanoma, Dr. Ioannides says “it is now possible to predict with considerable accuracy which malignant melanomas are curable and which are not, with thickness of the tumor being a key factor. Malignant melanomas that are removed when they are less than 3/4 of a millimeter in thickness are cured in virtually all cases, as long-term follow-up has repeatedly confirmed. However, progressively thicker malignant melanomas have correspondingly poorer prognoses. Given these facts, it is essential that members of the medical profession, the allied health fields, and the public at large be able to recognize early malignant melanomas, which can be so successfully treated.”
  The best way to beat skin cancer is to avoid getting it in the first place. Says Dr. Ioannides: “sun avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer. Over-exposure to sunlight (including tanning) is the main cause of skin cancer especially when it results in sunburn and blistering.” One can’t be expected to never go out in the the sun again though, so here are some of the most important steps to preventing sun exposure:
  Try to avoid being exposed to the sun during the time of day when the sun is highest in the sky (10:00am – 4:00p), or whenever your shadow is shorter than you are tall. This is important to remember even in the winter and when the sky is cloudy, as you can still receive harmful UV rays during both.
  Wear light-colored, protective clothing that is made of a tight weave. Clothing is more effective for skin protection than sunscreen as it completely covers your skin, and clothing with a UPF rating work particularly well.
  Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever you will be exposed to the sun’s rays. This can even include being indoors, as UV rays are still easily able to travel through windows and cause damage. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and evenly to your body, and then reapplied every two hours, or more often if you get wet or sweat.
  Dr. Tim Ioannides is the founder of Treasure Coast Dermatology, a dermatology practice with five locations in eastern Florida. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine and is board certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology. He is a fellow member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. Dr. Ioannides is also a member of the American Medical Association and the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, and is a voluntary associate professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine.