AAD presentation urges early treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer

Patients are not taking nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnoses as seriously as they should, while common misconceptions exist that those types of cancer do not spread or require surgery, according to information presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Annual Summer Meeting in New York.

Fiona O’Reilly Zwald, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery and transplant dermatology at Emory University, reported on a study indicating that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) incidence is increasing in men and women aged younger than 40 years, according to a press release. If a shift in attitudes regarding sun exposure and tanning does not occur, Zwald said, future generations could be at risk for such cancers.

There are more than 2 million cases of BCC and 700,000 cases of SCC diagnosed annually in the United States, Zwald said. Both cancers have nearly a 95% cure rate when detected and treated early, according to the release. The most recommended treatment option is surgery, including local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery and curettage and electrodesiccation.

Superficial or less aggressive forms of BCC and SCC, actinic keratoses (AKs) and multiple pre-cancerous lesions spread over the skin can be treated with topical therapies, according to Zwald. A combination of topical therapy and surgery may be recommended to prevent recurrence when skin cancer is more aggressive.

“The best medicine in fighting skin cancer is prevention, as sun-protective behavior — such as using sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing, seeking shade and avoiding tanning beds — has been proven to reduce the risk of all skin cancers, even in those patients with a history of prior skin cancer,” Zwald said. “The earlier nonmelanoma skin cancer is treated, the better chance that it can be cured.”

Disclosure: Fiona O’Reilly Zwald reported no relevant financial disclosures.

For more information:

Zwald FO. SYM S003: Update Platform: Medical Dermatology. Medical Management of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer and Pre-cancer. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Summer Academy Meeting 2013; July 31-Aug. 4, New York.