KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Early detection is crucial: Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Look for changes in moles or skin patches, especially those that are irregular in shape, larger than a pencil eraser or bleeding. Melanoma can be aggressive and requires prompt attention.
• Prevention is key: Protect your skin by avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM–2 PM), wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Advancements in treatment: Skin cancer treatments range from topical therapies and immunotherapy to surgical removals. Recent advancements, such as immunotherapy, have significantly improved outcomes, even for aggressive cancers.
SUMMARY:
Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, but early detection and prevention can make a significant difference. Dr. Mark Cripe, a surgical oncologist, answers common questions about skin cancer and highlights the importance of recognizing early signs — like changing or irregular moles. It’s important to adopt preventive measures such as using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds. Treatment options vary based on the type and stage of cancer, with advancements like immunotherapy offering hope for even aggressive cases.
One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. The Ohio Department of Health estimated that, on average, over 3,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually in Ohio. Some skin cancers can be aggressive and even deadly but are highly treatable when found at an early stage.
Mark Cripe, DO, a surgical oncologist at OhioHealth, answers your most common questions about skin cancer symptoms, prevention and treatment.
What are the early signs and symptoms of skin cancer?
There are multiple types of skin cancers, with the most common being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Additionally, there are other rarer skin cancers. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Different cancers will have a different appearance. The more common basal and squamous cell carcinomas may have a dry, scaly or flesh-colored patch that begins to change or bleed. These are often found on the face, ears, scalp and neck.
Melanomas can be more aggressive and are more commonly pigmented. They can be recognized by looking for moles or marks that are larger than a pencil eraser with irregular borders and multiple colors. Melanoma will begin to change, grow or bleed. It is best to get to know your skin and look for concerning changing skin lesions.
What are the best practices for preventing skin cancer?
Skin cancer is most commonly due to exposure to the sun or tanning bed use. Fair skinned people with freckles or light hair are at higher risk. To help prevent skin cancer, avoid sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 AM–2 PM, wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming. Avoid tanning beds and consider using a self-tanner if you want to look tan.
What treatment options are available for skin cancer?
There are a multitude of skin cancer treatments, depending on the type and location of the skin cancer. There are topical treatments, immunotherapy and liquid nitrogen, along with the standard surgical resection of many skin cancers. Some treatments do require a lymph node biopsy for complete cancer staging. It is always best to catch skin cancer early and get a diagnosis at an earlier stage. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about regular skin checks, especially if you are at a higher risk of skin cancer.
Can you share a recent patient success story?
We are fortunate to live in an era with dramatically advancing therapies and significantly improved success rates. Recently, a patient presented with a large quarter-sized Merkel cell carcinoma (a more aggressive skin cancer) on the cheek. He underwent two doses of immunotherapy prior to surgery. The cancer responded so well that it literally dried up and fell off his face. The complete response to therapy was confirmed with surgery, and he now has an excellent expected survival. This is becoming a more common story with improved systemic treatment options.
Get to know the expert
Why did you choose to specialize in cancer care and what do you find rewarding about working with skin cancer patients?
I originally gravitated toward the surgical field, as I grew up on a farm working with my hands and enjoy fixing things. I initially looked at vascular surgery; however, I fell in love with oncology because the patients are highly motivated to get better, partner with us so that this does not happen again and desire to protect their families from similar diagnoses.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your medical practice?
I believe it is important to practice what you preach and I try to stay active and healthy. I am very goal-oriented, and therefore I have found signing up for a marathon or triathlon to be one of the best ways to motivate me to be active, train for the event and hopefully stay healthy in the process. During my training and time outside, I do use sunscreen and if it is a long practice, I wear UPF clothing, including sleeves.
Want to know what to look for during a skin self-check and when you should contact a healthcare provider? Learn more.
