Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. They begin in the basal and squamous layers of the skin, respectively. Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and begins in melanocytes.
Senior Editor Sarah Eggenberger talks about the recent fight against skin cancer and what we can do to prevent it.
Sarah, you just had surgery to remove skin cancer from your nose last month…what was the diagnosis and how are you feeling today?
“I was diagnosed with morphea form basal cell carcinoma, which is a rarer and more aggressive subtype of basal cell skin cancer, accounting for only about 5 to 10 percent of cases. We are often taught to look for the ABCDEs of melanoma, but morphea form is even more elusive. It can remain silently in the guise of a dry patch or a wound that never heals, but underneath it works rapidly and spreads far and wide in tendrils. Beyond what meets the eye.”
Dr. Dendi Engelman, you performed Sarah’s biopsy. Why did you proceed with the biopsy?
“Sarah’s case illustrates the importance of having suspicious or non-healing skin lesions examined by a board-certified dermatologist. If detected early, most skin cancers are curable and have an excellent prognosis.”
Dr. Henry, what are the treatments for basal cell carcinoma and how serious is it?
“Eighty percent of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma… Sarah’s cancer was an aggressive subtype of this cancer. Although basal cell carcinoma is rarely life-threatening, if left untreated it can be disfiguring, especially in sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and scalp.
In Sarah’s case, her diagnosis was confirmed by a skin biopsy, and Sarah underwent MOHS surgery. This is a special procedure in which the cancerous skin is removed layer by layer under a microscope until all the cancer is gone.
It is particularly effective in the facial area as it minimizes the removal of healthy skin while ensuring all cancer is removed. ”
Sarah, this all started with a mark on your nose that you thought was nothing…why did you get tested?
“It started as a red spot, like applying a little too much concealer and going about your day. To be honest, I blamed it on aging skin, a problem that I would like to get rid of with skin care or lasers.”
It didn’t hurt and I wasn’t worried about it. But what gave me pause was how long it lasted. Month after month, it was still there – sometimes brighter, sometimes smaller, but always taking up space on my face. Then one day, out of nowhere, it started bleeding, which was a clear sign that something was wrong. I finally scheduled a biopsy, but only after getting some reassurance from others. Isn’t it strange that we are so quick to downplay things when it comes to ourselves?
Skin is the only organ we wear on the outside. The signs are often right there, alerting us. Our skin whispers before it screams. And the trick is knowing when to listen. That instinct of wanting to be checked made all the difference.
My conclusion from this is simple. If something on your skin seems to be rewriting its own rules instead of refusing to go away or acting like the everyday blemish you thought it would, it’s worth paying attention to. When a car makes a strange noise or the fire alarm keeps going off, we listen. Our skin deserves the same respect. ”
Dr. Henry, basal cell carcinoma is one of the most preventable skin cancers. How can I do that?
“The good news is that this is one of the most preventable skin cancers!! The biggest risk factor is UV exposure. That’s from the sun or tanning beds…Skin cancer can also develop from the culmination of a lifetime of sun exposure or from episodes of very intense tanning that cause blisters on the skin…”
Sarah, how did you choose your surgeon?
This is not a story about me being unhappy. Skin cancer can be frightening, especially when it occurs on the face, and can leave permanent disfigurements. But those are not consequences you have to accept. Many doctors are not only focused on convenience, but also on results. People who see you as a person and walk with you through your most vulnerable moments.
Dr. Alan Durkin, a plastic surgeon in Vero Beach, Florida, believes that the goal is not to remove the least amount of tissue, but the best outcome, especially for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. He reconciles the aesthetic elements of plastic surgery with oncologic cancer surgery. The goal of surgery in all cases is to remove the tumor with improved aesthetic results. ”
Dr. Durkin, what are your expectations as Sarah’s surgeon?
“We want every patient to leave here knowing they are cancer-free and feeling like themselves every time they look in the mirror. When it comes to skin cancer, scars don’t have to speak for themselves. From advanced melanoma to precancerous lesions, we offer the full spectrum of skin cancer treatment, all within the same practice.”
Sarah, what would you like to tell our viewers at home about your journey now?
“Health challenges like this wake you up. They force you to stop, reevaluate what’s actually important, and take action, not just for yourself, but for everyone who hasn’t yet received a wake-up call.”
I’m using my voice for something bigger: pushing for real progress in sunscreen safety and regulation. It’s time for the US to catch up. We deserve more ingredient innovation, more transparency, and more accountability for the systems that govern what acts on our skin. Raising Congressional awareness and holding Congress accountable is no longer an option. This is an important step to ensure that all sunscreens on U.S. shelves are truly safe, effective, and worthy of your trust.
If there’s one lesson, it’s this: Get your skin checked, wear SPF, and practice safe sunbathing. Because prevention is power. ”
