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The connection between the increase in cancers of the skin and exposure to the sun are already well established in treatment of cancers of the skin.
This connection is clear in the increases of the type basalioma and squamous cell carcinoma, and a little less clear as regards increase from type of melanoma, although the great majority of the dermatologists in the world think that there is a close connection between exposure to sun and melanoma.
Basalioma is a cancerous growth that appears in 80% from the cases on the head and the neck in the bare skin exposed to the sun. It appears in the size of a number of millimeters, develops slowly, and can arrive at the diameter of a number of centimeters or even larger. It seems as a “mouth of a volcano" when the basalioma is raised, and the submerged center is prone to bleed. This increasing growth does not metastasize but grows in depth and width and could be destructive to the skin, to the deep tissues and even to the cartilage if it is left untreated. The growth must be removed as soon as possible in order to prevent its further development. Using the MOHS method, the growth is severed, causing minimal damage to the healthy tissue, and the scar after the operation usually less obvious upon examination. Other methods connected with treatment of basalioma include special ointments and use of x-ray technology.
Squamous cell carcinoma, cancerous growths from the cellular type of splinter, is a larger growth usually off of a basalioma, appearing on bare skin, mainly on the outer ears and the tongue. This growth is also prone to bleeding and infection by bacteria. This can cause it to metastasize, and it must be removed as quickly as possible.
Melanoma is the most malignant growth when the treatment is delayed. But if diagnosed and the growth removed in time, the cure is usually absolute and the patient’s life is extended for days and even years. The growth can appear in all places, but in the men it appears usually on the back and in women on the back of the thigh. It can be flat or raised high on the skin, and the color is usually dark; black or blue. At times the raised growth seems to increase in diameter by a number of centimeters, and bleeds. Occasionally it can be colorless and then it is difficult to diagnose.
Finally, it appears there is increased risk of skin cancers due to a combination of damage to the ozone layer of the atmosphere by aerosols, making the sun’s rays stronger, and nonobservance of prevention of exposure to the sun, and of using sunscreens as a defense against exposure. The following instructions are important to the prevention of skin growths and early detection of damage:
(a) Avoid exposure to sun in the summer in any way possible between the hours 09:00 and 17:00. If sun exposure is necessary, use liberal amounts of sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 to 40 and wear a broad-brimmed hat.
(b) Visit a dermatologist at least once a year to check for abnormalities of the skin. For people who receive excessive sun exposure, it is advisable to do this twice per year.
(c) If there is any case of a change in the a mole as to its size, form, color, any bleeding, if it itches or appears to be inflamed, go immediately to the dermatologist for examination.
Prof. Arye Ingber
Director, Department of Dermatology
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