1. Shun the Sun
Everyone loves the warm glow they have after an afternoon in the sun, but the risk of developing nonmelanoma from sun exposure is cumulative. The more you bake in the sun's ultraviolet rays, the more likely you are to develop basal or squamous-cell cancer, the two types of nonmelanoma. So, slap on the high-SPF sunscreen, and stay away from tanning beds.
2. Check Yourself
Cancer cells can travel, but they can't hide, so it's important that you conduct regular skin self-exams at home. Examine your skin from top to bottom for any changes that a doctor needs to check out. Examples include a new lump or sore that won't heal, a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Don't forget all of your nether regions; cancer isn't shy, so it's vital that you look everywhere. Enlist a very close friend to help, if necessary.
3. Don't Ignore the Sore
It's easy for nonmelanoma patients to overlook the early signs, as the cancer might resemble a pimple rather than something that requires medical attention. The sore can ooze and scab, and it may even seem to come and go from day to day. The sore never quite heals though, and in time, the cancer can grow to invade deeper layers of the skin. Don't wait for this to happen; see a dermatologist about any lingering skin changes.
4. Mohs Knows
At one time, surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer meant a sizable surgical incision that left an ugly scar. However, Dr. Frederic Mohs pioneered a new surgical technique that doctors continue to refine every year. In Mohs surgery, doctors use special surgical instruments to shave off thin layers of the skin cancer. As the doctors remove each layer, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells. The doctor removes only the diseased tissue, and accomplishes maximum preservation of normal skin. Mohs surgery is ideal for delicate-tissue cancers occurring on the eyelid or lip.
5. Light can Heal, as well as Harm
It's ironic that sunlight causes nonmelanoma skin cancer because another kind of light can cure this cancer. In photodynamic therapy, doctors apply a special chemical to the skin cancer, making it sensitive to light. The doctor aims light from light-emitting diodes to make oxygen that kills the cells. The light can't pass through more than about a centimeter of tissue, which makes this therapy an option for some superficial nonmelanomas.
