5 More Facts About Skin Cancer You May Not Know

Matthew Halpern, MD

As summer kicks into high gear, skin cancer remains a concern among New Jersey residents—down the shore or elsewhere. Before you hit the beaches, the park or even the backyard, keep in mind these facts about skin cancer—it could save your life.

1.  Skin cancers can occur on non-sun exposed parts of the body.  Although the majority of non-melanoma skin cancers occur on areas of the body that receive extensive sun exposure, skin cancers can occur on parts of the body that receive little  to no sunlight such as the armpit and groin.  In addition, the most common location for melanoma skin cancers is on the chest and back for men and on the legs for women.  For this reason it is important for at-risk individuals to undergo regular full body skin exams with a board certified dermatologist. 

2.  Skin cancers can occur on patients with darker skin types.  Although non-melanoma skin cancers occur 70 times more frequently in lightly pigmented skin than darkly pigmented skin, they can occur in patients of all skin types. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in darkly pigmented patients. Interestingly, two thirds of these develop in non sun-exposed sites such the lower extremities, old scars and the anus. 

3. Immune system impairment increases likelihood of skin cancer development. Individuals who have undergone organ transplantation or have any underlying condition that impairs their immune system have to be watched very carefully by a dermatologist for skin cancers which can behave more aggressive in this subset of patients.

4.  Sunscreen is important for adults as well as children. Although skin cancers result from childhood sun exposure, use of sunscreens now decreases the rate of occurrence and rate of progression of new skin cancers.

5. One treatment option for skin cancers is called Mohs micrographic surgery. For non-melanoma skin cancers on the head and neck, Mohs micrographic surgery is the treatment that offers the highest cure rate and minimizes scarring. Mohs surgery can also be performed for skin cancers that have certain high risk features or have recurred after more superficial treatments.

Find out more about preventative measures and treatment options by scheduling an appointment with Windsor Dermatology Board-certified physician. Call 609-443-4500.