The face and eyelids
are very common locations for skin cancer. Many times skin cancers may
appear as benign growths. Other times they can develop cancerous
characteristics over a relatively short time. Potential warning signs
are new growths with elevated, irregular borders,
coloration, indentation, or ulceration. If skin cancer forms along the
edge of the eyelid it often causes the eyelashes to fall out.
The Esthetic Clinic uses state of the art technology. The area of
concern is first biopsied to determine if it is in fact a cancer. If
the biopsy is not cancerous, no further treatment is required. If the
biopsy is cancerous, most cancers are then removed using the MOHS
technique because this method has the highest cure rate and preserves
the most normal tissue around the eyelids and face.
The major added value of The Esthetic Clinic begins after the cancer is
removed. It is paramount that our patients not only obtain cure of the
cancer but also achieve the best possible post reconstruction function
and facial appearance. Dr. Shome has extensive experience in performing
both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery and each comes into play in
reconstructing the defect left by tumor removal in a way that maximizes
facial appearances.
Frequently
asked questions about Skin Tumors:
1) What is the most common type of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer followed by
squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is less frequent but it is more
likely to metastasize, so diagnosing melanoma early is important. In
Indian skin, Sebaceous gland cancer is also relatively more common.
2) What causes
skin cancer?
Risk factors we are born with include: fair complexion, light colored
eyes, blond or red hair, tendency to burn instead of tan, family
history of skin cancer, and a weakened immune system. People who have
had a prior skin cancer are much more likely to form another. The
number one modifiable risk factor for skin cancer is sun exposure..
3) How does sun
exposure contribute to skin cancer?
Ultraviolet
light damages the skin cells and causes them to become cancerous.
4) Is all
ultraviolet light bad?
Yes. Ultraviolet light can be divided into the A rays and the B rays.
The B rays are more responsible for causing skin cancer but the A rays
can also act as tumor promoters. The A rays actually penetrate deeper
into the skin are more responsible for the loss of skin elasticity and
premature aging of the skin seen in those with chronic sun exposure. It
is important to choose sunscreen that blocks out both A and B rays.
5) Is it true that one really bad sunburn can cause skin cancers later
in life?
Yes.
6)
When do most people get sun damage to the skin?
Most sun
damage occurs prior to the age of 18. It is very important that
children be protected from the sun and that sunburns not be an
acceptable in children.
7) Is skin
cancer becoming more common?
Yes. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed each year. All
types of skin cancer are becoming more frequent in part to depletion of
the ozone layer of the atmosphere.
8) How is skin
cancer diagnosed?
The important first step is that the patient or the doctor suspect that
a lesion might be a skin cancer. The lesion is then biopsied and sent
to be examined with a microscope. If the lesion is a skin cancer it
will require further treatment to remove it completely.
9) What changes on my skin should I suspect are skin cancer?
Skin cancer does not hurt. Sometimes it will be elevated about the
surface of the skin but often is flat. A scab that falls off to reform
in the same place is very often a skin cancer. Any skin abrasion that
does not heal is very suspicious for a skin cancer. Pigmented lesions
or moles that are Asymmetrical, have an
irregular Border, have different shades
of brown black or tan Color, have a Diameter
of >6mm, or Evolving (changing)
over time are suspect of being melanoma..
10) What is MOHS
surgery?
MOHS surgery is a procedure where a dermatologist with special training
removes a skin cancer. MOHS surgery has the highest cure rate for most
skin cancers and it is the procedure that preserves the most normal
skin adjacent to the skin cancer. Preserving normal skin is very
important when dealing with cancers on or near the eyelids.
11) What can I
do to prevent skin cancer?
Avoid sunburns or excess sun exposure, avoid tanning booths, and
protect your children from the sun! Use broad spectrum SPF 45 or
greater sunscreen and apply it liberally and frequently. The stated SPF
(Sun Protection Factor) is applicable at the time of application, but
decreases exponentially afterwards. Hence, care should be taken to
re-apply the sunscreen after two hours, on continued sun exposure. Wear
sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat when in the sun..
12) I have a
history of sun exposure; what can I do to prevent this from being a
problem.
As with most things you cannot take back what you did when you were
young. However, you can assist by bringing any suspicious lesion to the
attention of your primary care doctor, a dermatologist, or one of the
doctors at the Esthetic Clinic. Often a skin cancer is noted by the way
it changes with time. It is very useful to bring to the attention of a
doctor that a skin change is getting bigger, sometimes bleeds, or
sometimes forms a scab. Skin cancers are much easier to treat and less
likely to leave a scar when they are small when diagnosed.
13) What role do the doctors at the Esthetic Clinic play in diagnosing
and treating skin cancers?
Your doctors can biopsy any suspicious lesion. Most typically, we
recommend skin cancers be removed using the MOHS technique and the
center will coordinate this appointment for you. Our doctors are
experts in reconstructing the defects left after skin cancer has been
removed from the eyelids, face, or trunk. Our goal is to cure you of
the cancer and to restore normal appearances.
These common forms of facial cancers and hundreds of other less common
forms can be corrected by Dr. Shome with an evaluation and subsequent
surgery. If you are looking for an expert in diagnosing, evaluating and
treating your facial cancer, look no further than The Esthetic Clinic.
Remember, cancer can kill! Evaluating a facial lesion suspiciously
right at the beginning can save your life.
Skin tumor
information video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPSQsz69pc8
