Recognizing Common Skin Cancers

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that the abundant sunshine our Nature Coast patients enjoy means they are very familiar with the need for sun protection. However, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and an excellent opportunity to review the three most common forms of skin cancer and how to identify them.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)—This is the most common type of skin cancer, with over 3.6 million cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. Basal cell carcinomas can take a variety of forms: shiny bumps, red patches, or even open sores and often caused by a combination of cumulative and intense intermittent sun exposure. BCCs hardly ever metastasize, although the tumor can cause local damage, such as losing a part of a nose or ear if not detected and treated early.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)—These are more dangerous than BCCs as they do have the potential to metastasize if not found in their early stages. Signs of an SCC include scaly red patches on the skin, warts, or open sores. They may appear crusty or bleed. They are also the result of cumulative UV radiation exposure from tanning beds, summer sun, and rays reflecting off ice and snow.

Melanoma—This type of cancer may be the best known due to its deadly reputation. However, if caught early, its 5-year survival rate is 99%. Typically, a melanoma appears as a black or dark brown blemish, but it can also look pink, white, red, blue, or purple. There’s an increased risk of developing a melanoma if a parent or sibling had one, but your sun protection habits play an equally important role. It’s estimated that a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if they’ve had more than five sunburns.

Remember, your feet need as much protection as the skin on the rest of your body. In addition to applying (and reapplying) a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, try to avoid being out shopping, walking, and doing other activities during the middle hours of the day. Check the skin on the top and bottom of your feet and between your toes and toenails for dark spots or freckles that appear to be changing. Report anything suspicious promptly to our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales. To make an appointment, contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799.