SAGE DERMATOLOGY

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of skin cancer?

Skin cancers can be generally classified into two main types: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are common and less dangerous than melanoma. We treat non-melanoma skin cancers because they continue to grow in size and invade surrounding tissues causing local destruction and disfigurement. Melanoma, on the other hand, is less common but highly dangerous, as it can spread to other parts of the body and cause death if left untreated. Therefore, it is critical to keep an eye on your moles and have any funny moles checked out by a physician.

What do they look like?

Basal cell carcinoma- firm, shiny red-pink bump; red scaling patch; or pimple-like growth that bleeds, crusts, and then reappears. Squamous cell carcinoma- thickened, red scaly bumps or warty growths; or sores that do not heal. Melanoma- presents as a new mole or within a pre-existing mole. You can reference the ABCDE of melanoma for features to look for in a melanoma. • Asymmetry (shape on one side is different from that on the other side) • Border (the border is irregular, sharp, and angulated) • Colour (there is a variation in colour e.g. brown, black, red, grey, white, within the lesion) • Diameter (diameter of greater than 6mm, although it can be less) • Evolution (changes in colour, size, shape, or symptom such as bleeding or tenderness)

Asymmetry (shape on one side is different from that on the other side)
Border (the border is irregular, sharp, and angulated)
Colour (there is a variation in colour e.g. brown, black, red, grey, white, within the lesion)
Diameter (diameter of greater than 6mm, although it can be less)
Evolution (changes in colour, size, shape, or symptom such as bleeding or tenderness)

Am I at high risk of getting skin cancers?

You may be at a higher risk of getting skin cancer if you have the following: • Fair skin prone to sun burns • Blue eyes; red or blond hair; freckles • History of blistering sun burns in the past • History of sun tanning • Family or personal history of skin cancers • High number of moles > 50 or an unusual appearance of moles

You may be at a higher risk of getting skin cancer if you have the following:

Fair skin prone to sun burns
Blue eyes; red or blond hair; freckles
History of blistering sun burns in the past
History of sun tanning
Family or personal history of skin cancers
High number of moles > 50 or an unusual appearance of moles

What if skin cancer is found?

Treatment options depend on the nature of the skin cancer (type, size, depth, location) and your health status. • For non-melanoma skin cancers, common treatment options are shave with curettage and electrodessication and surgical excision. In certain cases, your dermatologist may refer you to a colleague who would perform Mohs surgery. This may be an ideal option for large or recurrent tumors, or tumors that are on the face with proximity to the nose and eyes. • For melanomas, further surgery would be required to eliminate the entirety of the skin cancer with a safety margin around the site. If the melanoma is thicker, you may require a lymph node biopsy to test for spread of cancer in the lymph node closest to the melanoma.

Treatment options depend on the nature of the skin cancer (type, size, depth, location) and your health status.

For non-melanoma skin cancers, common treatment options are shave with curettage and electrodessication and surgical excision. In certain cases, your dermatologist may refer you to a colleague who would perform Mohs surgery. This may be an ideal option for large or recurrent tumors, or tumors that are on the face with proximity to the nose and eyes.
For melanomas, further surgery would be required to eliminate the entirety of the skin cancer with a safety margin around the site. If the melanoma is thicker, you may require a lymph node biopsy to test for spread of cancer in the lymph node closest to the melanoma.

What can I do to prevent skin cancers in the future?

Seek shade and avoid the sun during peak hours between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are the strongest Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 40 daily and reapply when skin is wet Wear long sleeves and hats to cover the skin as much as possible Avoid indoor tanning

Seek shade and avoid the sun during peak hours between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are the strongest
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 40 daily and reapply when skin is wet
Wear long sleeves and hats to cover the skin as much as possible
Avoid indoor tanning

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