Overview
The video discusses skin cancer, its main types, risk factors, identification, and treatment options, aiming to educate viewers on early detection and management.
Introduction and Background
- The topic was chosen in response to a viewer question during an Instagram live session.
- Both dermatologists emphasize the importance and prevalence of skin cancer.
- Personal experience with skin cancer is shared to highlight real-world relevance.
Main Types of Skin Cancer
- The three most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least severe, followed by squamous cell, with melanoma being the rarest and most aggressive.
- Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but increasingly recognized form.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Skin cancer development is multifactorial, with sun (UVB) exposure as the major risk factor.
- Genetics and certain viruses (e.g., HPV for squamous cell) also contribute.
- Fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk, but anyone can develop skin cancer.
Identification and Warning Signs
- Basal cell carcinomas often appear as pearly pimples or non-healing sores, sometimes with visible blood vessels.
- Squamous cell carcinomas usually begin as actinic keratoses—scaly, persistent bumps on sun-exposed areas that can become thick and tender.
- Melanomas are identified using the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, diameter >6mm, and evolving changes; the “ugly duckling” sign is also important.
- Not all melanomas are pigmented (“amelanotic”) and can be hard to spot.
Importance of Early Detection
- Early detection significantly improves outcomes for all skin cancer types.
- Regular self-examinations and prompt evaluation of abnormal skin findings are encouraged.
Treatment Options
- Treatments include surgical (excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, Mohs surgery), radiation therapy, topical agents, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
- Surgical removal often requires excising additional surrounding skin to ensure clear margins, sometimes resulting in larger scars.
- Radiation and newer targeted or immune-based treatments are used for more advanced or inoperable cases.
- Topical treatments like fluorouracil or imiquimod are used for superficial cancers or precancerous changes.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Other Rare Skin Cancers
- Merkel cell carcinoma is rare, aggressive, and often sun- and virus-related.
- It lacks a classic appearance, making diagnosis challenging.
- A broad array of rare skin cancers exists, though most are uncommon.
Recommendations / Advice
- Seek medical evaluation for any new, changing, or unusual skin lesions.
- Do not delay appointments for concerning changes, even if access is difficult.
- Cancer diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy, not just visual examination.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Consider more detailed information on surgical options like Mohs surgery in future videos.
- Further education on rare skin cancers may be beneficial.