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Dr. Jessica Clark,  Beach Dermatology Skin Wellness Clinic

As a board-certified dermatologist, one of the most important aspects of my practice is educating patients about skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but the good news is that when detected early, it is often treatable. Let’s discuss the three most common types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—and what you should watch for to protect your skin.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all skin cancer cases. It typically develops in the basal cells, which are found in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Basal cell carcinoma is generally slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can cause significant local damage if left untreated.

What to look for:

• Appearance: BCC often appears as a small, pearly or waxy bump, sometimes with visible blood vessels. It can also look like a flat, scaly patch.
• Location: It usually develops on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, shoulders, back, or arms.
• Other signs: BCC may bleed, crust, or form a sore that doesn’t heal.

While basal cell carcinoma is rarely life-threatening, early detection and treatment are important to prevent disfigurement or damage to surrounding tissue.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, responsible for about 20% of all skin cancer cases. SCC develops in the squamous cells, which make up most of the skin’s outer layer. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, though it typically remains localized in the beginning stages.

What to look for:

• Appearance: SCC often appears as a red, scaly, or crusted bump or patch. It may be firm to the touch and may bleed or ulcerate. *I always remind patients to call me if they have a small red bump that looks like a hard pimple or bug bite that has been there over a month. People often think SCC is a pimple or a spider bite and try to squeeze it. I have often seen primary care doctors treat these for a spider bite or cyst and they end up in my office because “it won’t go away.” SCC is important to catch early because it CAN SPREAD TO LYMPH NODES, especially in the neck area.
• Location: It commonly develops in areas that have been sun-damaged, such as the face, ears, neck, chest, backs of the hands, or arms. However, it can also appear in other areas, including mucous membranes (like the mouth or genital area).
• Other signs: SCC may be tender or itchy and may cause pain if it begins to grow deeper into the skin.

If caught early, squamous cell carcinoma has a high cure rate, but like BCC, it requires prompt treatment to avoid complications.

3. Melanoma

Melanoma is the least common but most aggressive form of skin cancer. It arises from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment (melanin) in the skin. Melanoma can develop in previously normal skin or from an existing mole. Unlike BCC and SCC, melanoma has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body, making it the deadliest form of skin cancer if not caught in its early stages.

What to look for:

• Appearance: Melanomas often have an irregular shape, uneven color, and may have jagged or blurry borders. The color can vary from brown to black, and in some cases, it can be red, blue, or white.
• Location: Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun, like the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or under the nails. It is also common in moles on sun-exposed areas such as the back, legs, and face.
• Other signs: A new mole or a change in an existing mole’s size, shape, or color should raise suspicion. Melanomas can also become painful, itchy, or bleed.

Because melanoma can spread quickly, early detection is key. That’s why I always encourage my patients to regularly monitor their skin for any changes and to schedule routine skin exams.

Prevention and Early Detection

The good news about skin cancer is that it’s often preventable, and when caught early, it’s highly treatable. Here are a few important tips for prevention:

• Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds.
• Skin Checks: Perform regular self-exams to check for any new moles or changes in existing ones. Use the ABCDE rule for melanoma:
  • Asymmetry (uneven shape)
  • Border (irregular edges)
  • Color (multiple colors)
  • Diameter (larger than 6mm)
  • Evolution (changes in size, shape, or color over time)
• Regular Dermatology Visits: See a dermatologist for a full-body skin exam annually, or more frequently if you have a history of skin cancer or are at higher risk due to factors like fair skin, family history, or excessive sun exposure.

Conclusion

While the idea of skin cancer can be alarming, understanding the differences between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma can help you feel more empowered when it comes to taking care of your skin. Remember, early detection and protection are key to preventing skin cancer or catching it early when treatment is most effective. If you notice any changes in your skin or have concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Call (850) 238-8511 to schedule a spot check with Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Clark.

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By Kathryn Porter, APRN, ACNP-BC 

February is American Heart Month, first celebrated by the American Heart Association in 1963 and later officially recognized by President Johnson in 1964. We recognize National Wear Red Day on the first Friday of the month, in honor of the Go Red for Women campaign which aims to raise awareness about heart disease in women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. In fact, about 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year. This includes conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Despite these high rates, many women are unaware of their risk and may not recognize heart disease as a major threat to their health. In fact, cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.

Several factors can increase the risk of heart disease in both women and men. Some are controllable, while others are not. Controllable risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. These factors contribute to increased strain on the heart and arteries, raising the risk of heart disease. Uncontrollable factors include age, family history, gender, and genetics, with women’s risk rising after menopause. Chronic stress and untreated sleep apnea can also contribute to heart disease. Managing controllable risks through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, along with regular health check-ups, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall heart health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects men and women differently in terms of age, symptoms, and contributing factors. Men typically develop CVD in their 40s or 50s, while women’s risk increases after menopause. Women often experience more subtle symptoms, like fatigue or shortness of breath, which can lead to delays in seeking treatment, delayed care, and even misdiagnosis. Risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure impact women more strongly, especially after menopause. This is partly due to a decrease in estrogen, which has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels. As estrogen levels drop, women are more likely to experience changes in cholesterol levels, increased abdominal fat, and higher blood pressure, all of which significantly increase heart disease risk. Social and emotional factors can further complicate heart disease in women.

To reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women and men, focus on these key interventions: Adopt a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fiber and proteins, while limiting ultra processed foods. Increase physical activity by incorporating weight training and moderate cardio into your routine. Quit smoking to prevent blood vessel damage and plaque buildup; Manage stress with relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga. Regular health screenings to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes. These changes, along with maintaining a healthy weight, can significantly lower heart disease risk and improve overall health. When risk factors extend beyond the control of diet and lifestyle, seek a knowledgeable health practitioner to guide you in your health journey, be that medication, screening, or referral to a cardiovascular specialist.

Take the next step in prioritizing your heart health! If you have any questions or would like personalized guidance on managing your cardiovascular risk, or are interested in discussing risk factor modification or assessing your personal risk, don’t hesitate to reach out. Katherine Porter at Hydrate30A (hydreight30a@gmail.com) and Margaret Russell at 850 Midlife (margaret@850midlife.com) are happy to discuss your concerns and help you chart a path to a healthier future!

Katherine Porter, APRN, ACNP-BC is the owner of Hydrate30A. She received a BSN from Auburn University and an MSN from UAB and has practiced locally as an acute care nurse practitioner since 2013. She can be contacted at hydreight30a@gmail.com

Margaret Russell, APRN, AGACNP-BC is the owner of 850 Midlife and has been in practice locally for more than a decade. If you are interested in discussing risk factor modification or assessing your personal risk, She may be reached at Margaret@850Midlife.com

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