New Developments In Skin Cancer Treatment

Posting Date: 05/29/2002

Original Posting: 5/1/2000

INTRODUCTION

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and dermatologists are offering free screenings. They also have a new tool that diagnoses cancer without surgery.

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"It's one of life's little ironies: something that looks healthy -- a tan -- is actually the skin's response to injury."

DARRELL RIGEL, M.D./DERMATOLOGIST

"You tan because your body's being hit by ultraviolet rays from the sun and tries to protect itself by producing a pigment, melanin, so in order to get tan your skin has to be injured."

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"Some of those injuries to your skin could later turn into cancer. To diagnose and treat it, doctors have a new tool that's easier and less invasive."

JUNE ROBINSON, M.D./DERMATOLOGIST

"With digital imaging, that's the use of the computer and a little camera system, we can capture your pigmentation pattern in your mole and look through the very surface of the skin."

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"That can help doctors know whether they need to do a real biopsy when they're looking for malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

"When it comes to treating less invasive cancers like basal cell, a new alternative is to inject medications into and around the cancer instead of cutting it out."

"Chris McMurry is one of the millions of Americans who's had a skin cancer removed by surgery."

CHRIS MCMURRY/HAD SKIN CANCER

"While I'm happy with the results, I'd rather not have had to go through surgery."

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"The red flag for skin cancers is 'change,' especially in the size or color of a mole or other growth. Pigmentation changes, persistent scaliness and spots that do not heal are others."

DARRELL RIGEL, M.D./DERMATOLOGIST.

"If something is growing, bleeding, crusting or changing on your skin, see your dermatologist."

DEAN EDELL, M.D.

"Early diagnosis and treatment can stop skin cancer completely."

END NOTE

Some members of the American Academy of Dermatology offer free skin cancer screenings in May. Check with your own doctor for advice, and be sure to put on the sunscreen. We'll have more on that tomorrow.

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