Dr. Rowe described the 3 types of skin cancer:
1. Melanoma averages 80,000 cases and 25,000 deaths per year, melanoma needs to be caught before it metastasizes and goes to other places in the body. Women tend to get melanoma on their legs and men most often see it on their backs. This form is from intense sun exposure (sunburns) rather than cumulative sun exposure. In our area, we are exposed to 25% more ultraviolet sun than sea level (5% per 1000 feet).
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common with 1 million cases per year. While virtually no one dies from it, it can be very disfiguring. It looks like a pimple at first with blood vessels within it and is usually slow growing. For many, the MOHS treatment results in removal of the mole and 4 mm around it, but for some it can mean removal of the skin of a cheek or a nose.
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma results in 250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths per year because it can grow fast and can move into the lymph system. Dr. Rowe stated he has probably removed 1,000 spots of this type on lips in his career as ears and lips are the most common locations. Unlike the other two, this form is painful. MOHS surgery is also used for this type of cancer.
There are 6 skin types with Redheads and Blonde-haired blue-eyed people at greatest risk for basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Hispanic and African American are the lowest risk.
The dermatoscope is a relatively new piece of equipment that allows a doctor to see moles up close and beneath the skin - evaluation includes the ABCDE method:
1. Asymmetrical moles, where the two halves are different, may indicate cancer
2. Borders of your moles should be smooth and even, not jagged
3. Color of moles should be flesh-toned or slightly darker with no marbling or mottling
4. Diameter should be no larger than a pea
5. Evolving moles — shape-shifters, rapid growth, color changes — are cause for concern
The biggest piece of advice Dr. Rowe has - make an appointment with a dermatologist for an examination once per year and cover up when in the sun.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Rowe grew up in California and attended Georgia Tech, Arizona Tech, San Antonio Medical School and UCLA for Dermatology specialization. He was the mail MOHS doctor at Carson Dermatology before retiring 3 years ago. Missing the patients, he supplements retirement with 1 day per week at Minden Dermatology.
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