As far as skin cancer goes it can be easy. Prevention
is key. See something that is new, or changing, or
growing... get it checked out. It may be nothing but
it could be the start of a skin cancer and catching it
early is the best way to ensure the best results. Actinic
keratosis (AK) is precancer
that is easy to treat. This
looks like a scaly patch
of skin or a raised scaly
bump. You pick it off and
it grows right back, you
put lotion on it but it
always looks dry. Not all
skin cancer is the same
and knowing what to look
for is important. There
are three different kinds
of skin cancer.
The first is basal cell
carcinoma (BCC). BCC
grow on sun-exposed
areas such as, a bald head,
face, ears, arms, and back
of hands. BCC is very slow growing and non invasive.
This means it doesn't grow into the body. It is a
"sore" that just won't heal or a "pimple" you've had
for months and months. It may look like something
you've had before but this time it just isn't healing.
The longer you wait the more it grows so get it when
it's small and the treatment options are easier. This
means you may only have to have liquid nitrogen, a
very small incision, or
there are creams that
can be applied that let
the body treat the cancer.
The earlier the better.
The second skin cancer is
squamous cell carcinoma
(SCC); this too grows
on sun-exposed areas.
SCC is also slow growing
but can be invasive. This
means it can grow "into"
the body. Again, catch it
early and it may just need
a small incision. This
looks like a larger scaly
growth that never seems
to go away and gets larger
over time. The longer you wait the more it grows and
the bigger the area of skin that has to be removed.
The third skin cancer is melanoma. Most people have
Vicki Haines, ARNP
Kadlec Clinic Plastic Surgery and Dermatology
Skin Cancer Made Easy
Clinical Corner
Skin Cancer & Melanoma
Thursday, May 16th, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Vicki Haines, ARNP
Join Vicki Haines as she presents information regarding the most common type of cancer--skin cancer. She will
discuss warning signs of skin cancer, and how to prevent it. Within the past year, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) mandated changes requiring manufacturers to alter the way they label their sunscreen products. Vicki will help
participants understand what the new FDA requirements mean to consumers and how to select the best sun protection
available. With a focus on dermatology, Vicki is a Nurse Practitioner working with Dr. Fleming at Kadlec Clinics. A
complimentary lunch will be provided with a reservation.
Please RSVP by May 14th:
(509) 737-3427 or online at www.tccancer.org
Melanoma