Skin cancer is a serious concern in Colorado given our high altitude environment. The most common cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV levels rise by 10-20% for every 1000 feet in elevation gain. It is important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
The two most common skin cancers are basal cell cancer (BCC) and squamous cell cancer (SCC), affecting more than 1 million people in the United States annually. The cure rate for BCC and SCC is close to 100% when detected and treated early. Malignant melanoma (MM) is a less common but more dangerous skin cancer. MM results in over 50,000 deaths per year worldwide.
Expert in Skin Cancer
Dr. Ort performs detailed skin exams on his patients every day looking for signs of skin cancer. He uses a handheld magnified and polarized light called a dermatoscope to help visualize deeper layers in the skin. This allows for more precise evaluation of skin lesions and earlier detection of skin cancer.
When a skin cancer is suspected, Dr. Ort will perform a small skin biopsy. The skin is numbed with a gentle injection of local anesthetic, making the biopsy painless. A small skin sample is removed and sent to be examined under the microscope by a pathologist.
If you have skin cancer, Dr. Ort will explain the diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. Dr. Ort has treated thousands of skin cancers in his career. Most skin cancers can be cured with prompt treatment. Dr. Ort will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on his many years of experience.
Basal Cell Cancer (BCC)
BCC is the most common skin cancer. It usually presents as a painless, pink or whitish, shiny, pearly or translucent growth. It may be flat with a slightly elevated border. It may present as an open sore that bleeds. It may also look like a scar that is white or waxy with poorly defined borders.
BCC slowly grows bigger over time but has a very rare risk for metastasis or spread to distant areas. BCC is most common in fair-skinned individuals. Up to 1/3 of white people in the US will get BCC at some point in their life.
There are different treatment options for BCC depending on size, location, how aggressive it appears under the microscope, patient preference, and other factors. Common treatments include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodessication (superficial scrape and burn), curettage alone, and use of topical creams such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil.
Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC)
SCC is the second most common skin cancer and is closely linked to chronic sun exposure. SCC is most common on the face, neck, chest, arms, back of hands, and lower legs. It usually presents as a pink, firm, scaly, possibly tender bump which grows larger over time. It may start as a flat, pink, scaly patch. SCC can present as an ulcer or sore with a raised border. It can also occur within old scars.
About 1 in 10 people in the US will develop SCC at some point in their lives. SCC has some risk for metastasis or distant spread, particularly when located in areas such as the lip, ear, central face, and scalp.
Treatment for invasive SCC usually consists of surgical excision or Mohs surgery. Some cases of SCC can be treated with electrodessication and curettage. Noninvasive SCC (squamous cell cancer in situ) is often treated with topical creams.
Malignant Melanoma (MM)
Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from melanocytes or the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It usually has areas that are brown or black in color, but can show pink, blue, grey, white, or other colors. MM can arise in a pre-existing mole or can arise as a brand new growth.
MM is most common in fair-skinned people but can occur in anyone regardless of skin type. The most common site for MM in women is the legs, in men the back. MM can occur anywhere on the body, even in areas that do not receive sun exposure such as the eyes, genitals, mouth, palms, and soles. While MM is more common in older people, it can occur in young people. In fact, it’s one of the most common cancers in young adults, particularly young women.
Malignant melanoma has a significant risk for spread (metastasis) to lymph nodes or distant body sites. Malignant melanoma is treated with surgical excision of the cancer and a surrounding margin of skin around the cancer. For thicker MM with deeper invasion, removal and sampling of a lymph node may be recommended (sentinel lymph node biopsy).
Most malignant melanomas can be cured by prompt surgical removal. Once melanoma has spread or metastasized, it is a more serious disease. There have been major advances in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Modern medicine such as immunotherapy has provided the potential for long-term survival in many patients with metastatic melanoma.
Get checked, save a life!
If you see a new or changing mole, get it checked promptly by a dermatologist. You may save your life or the life of a friend or loved one. Malignant melanoma is linked to having severe sunburns and to use of tanning beds. Please avoid sunburns and use of tanning beds! Be aware that it is possible to get skin cancer in areas that do not see the sun. Do not ignore a new or changing growth even if it is present in a hidden area.
