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Skin cancer of the ear
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Facts about skin cancer and sun exposure
The benefits of using sunscreen have been known for many years. For women, sunscreen has been added to make-up, but the amount of protection is diminished because it is in a diluted form. When the face is covered with sunscreen products, often the ears are forgotten and not protected. When the skin is unprotected, there are 3 types of skin cancers that can occur. They are basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas.
What is basal cell carcinoma?
A basal cell cancer usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the rim of the ear, face, or hands. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the U.S. It is often easily detected and has an excellent record for successful treatment.
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Squamous cell skin cancers may appear as nodules, ulcerations, or as red, scaly patches of skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is typically found on the rim of the ear, face, lips and mouth, however, it can spread to other parts of the body. Although generally more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, this cancer is highly treatable.
What is melanoma?
A melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the melanocytes, or the cells that produce color in the skin or pigment known as melanin. Melanomas usually occur in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Melanoma may also be called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. Melanoma is the rarest, but most virulent, form of skin cancer. Although the incidence of melanoma is lower than other types of skin cancer, it has the highest death rate and is responsible for 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer.
Facts about skin cancer and sun exposure
- Sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer
- Skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans
- An estimated 1.3 million new cases will be diagnosed this year
- Skin cancer kills more women in their late 20s and early 30s than breast cancer
- The sun causes 80% of premature skin aging
- Water is not a barrier to the sun’s rays
- Glass is not a barrier to the sun’s rays
- Tanning beds emit more UVA rays (deeper skin penetration) and can cause premature aging
UVA and UVB rays
UVA Rays
- Breaks down collagen, damages connective tissue, and causes premature aging
- Penetrates deeper into the skin (more than all other UV wavelengths)
- Passes through window glass
- Most sunscreens do not completely protect you from UVA rays
- Least associated with skin cancer
- The most harmful wavelength to humans
- Penetrates skin and is absorbed by DNA, causes DNA damage leading to carcinomas
- More biologically damaging
- Cannot penetrate window glass
- Affects primarily the first layer of skin (epidermis)
- Cause burning and blistering of the skin
- Stimulates the formation of melanin – which darkens skin
What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?
Sunblock – physically blocks UV rays from reaching the skin
Sunscreen – chemically absorbs UV rays
SPF Levels
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures ability to block only the UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 15 blocks out 93% of UVB rays
- However, most people do not apply enough and apply it incorrectly, therefore the degree of protection is decreased
Skin Cancer Prevention
- Use sunblock or sunscreen everyday on all parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, including face, ears, neck and hands/arms
- Use sunblock or sunscreen correctly – apply before going out into the sun and re-apply every 2 hours
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Baseball caps do not protect the ears and also leave the chin, temporal area, and lower jaw exposed to the sun