Skin cancer manifests in three forms: melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell. Melanoma is the type of skin cancer most likely to travel beyond the skin to infect other organs, which makes it the most lethal form. C-reactive protein refers to an inflammatory marker that is often used to predict survival rates in skin cancer cases, according to Scott J. Deron, D.O., F.A.C.C., author of "C-Reactive Protein: Everything You Need to Know about CRP and Why It's More Important."
Inflammatory Response
The liver releases C-reactive protein as part of the body's response to severe inflammation. In a healthy person, C-reactive protein generally does not exist in the blood. Therefore, the presence of any C-reactive protein in a blood test indicates an active inflammatory response; a reading of 3.0 mg of C-reactive protein per liter of blood signifies a serious inflammation.
Prognosis
Melanoma is the type of skin cancer most likely to metastasize, or spread to other organs or tissues in the body beyond the original location of the tumor. Melanoma typically occurs in fair-skinned people, especially elderly males, and typically begins in a pre-existing mole. In cases of melanoma, the level of C-reactive protein often measures a skin cancer patient's odds of survival. Generally speaking, if the C-reactive protein reading is high, the prognosis for survival is low.
Risk Factors
Most skin cancers occur in response to overexposure to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. People with fair skin run a higher risk, as do those with a family history of skin cancer, as well as those who are middle-aged and elderly, since as a rule, the duration of their sun exposure has been longer. That said, those with dark skin are not immune, and neither are young people, according to 2006 information provided by the
Skin Cancer Foundation.
Prevention
If your C-reactive protein levels read positive and you have noticed changes in any existing moles, follow your doctor or health care provider's advice. Caught early enough skin cancer has a very high survival rate, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat whenever you are in the sun, and if you have not had a C-reactive protein test yet notice that an existing mole has changed color, grown in size, or developed ragged edges, speak to your physician right away.
References
- "C-Reactive Protein: Everything You Need to Know about CRP and Why It's More Important"; Scott J. Deron, D.O., F.A.C.C.; 2003
- National Cancer Institute: Types of Skin Cancers; January 2011
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: C-Reactive Protein; Michael E. Makover, M.D.; February 2011
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Skin Cancer Facts
