Hospital Dermatologist Talks About Skin Cancer+

DANBURY — The recommendations from doctors about avoiding sun exposure are getting stricter, especially as skin cancer continues to be the most common type of cancer today.

It used to be that people were cautioned to avoid sun exposure between the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm, but today doctors caution avoidance between 10 am and 4 pm.

Doctors also are diligent in urging patients to be aware of what skin cancer looks like and to have moles examined periodically. “I’d like to educate all patients about the appearance of skin cancer,” said Graeme Lipper, MD, a Danbury Hospital-affiliated dermatologist. Dr Lipper spoke at a recent Medical Town Meeting sponsored by Danbury Hospital, “Stay Wise to the Risk of Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer.” Danbury Hospital also sponsored free skin cancer screenings at the hospital’s Praxair Cancer Center, on May 21–22.

Dr Lipper said that many people are not always aware of what skin cancer and precancerous conditions look like. He showed many slides of the three types of skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the more serious malignant melanoma. Early detection is key, he said, and most skin cancers can be easily treated. Many people mistake skin cancer and precancerous conditions as blemishes, scars, or bumps.

Basal cell, the most common form of skin cancer, appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule, most often on the head, neck, and hands. It can bleed, crust over, and never appear to heal. Basal cell can also be subtle, often looking like a scar. 

Squamous cell carcinomas also develop as a bump or as a red, scaly patch. It is the second most common type of cancer.

Malignant melanoma is more serious. It may seem to appear out of nowhere, but can also begin in or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin.

Doctors warn patients to be aware of the ABCDs of melanoma, which stand for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, and Diameter. Moles should be checked when they are asymmetrical, have ragged borders, have no uniformity of color, and the diameter is greater than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).

  Dr Lipper warns people about moles that are rapidly growing, crusting, or bleeding. They need to be evaluated by a doctor.

Protection is the best defense against skin cancer, he said. Dr Lipper advises people to:

*Use sunscreen and apply it correctly and often, every two to three hours. Sunscreens with titanium oxide work best.

*Wear protective clothing. Many types of sun-protective clothing are tightly woven to avoid ultraviolet waves.

*Wear a hat with a wide brim.

*Avoid peak exposure, between 10 am and 4 pm.

*Have a yearly screening.

 Anyone who has concerns should see a doctor. Anyone who needs a physician referral can call the Danbury Hospital Department of Medical Affairs at 797-7322.