Skin cancer sounds straightforward: it’s an abnormal growth of cells.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.

Even though the definition is simple, knowing what “abnormal growth” looks like is anything but straightforward.

Here’s an overview of the three most common types of skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer

Two main types of skin cancer fall into this category: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.”

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common cancer in the world with 3.6M cases diagnosed in the US each year is basal cell carcinoma or BCC. Generally, they are not as dangerous as the other types of skin cancers. However, if left untreated, it can cause significant disfigurement and eventually spread to lymph nodes.

BCC can look like:

• A round growth, the same color as your skin – often with a “pearly” appearance.
• A pinkish patch of skin
• A scar
• A raised, scaly patch

Basal cell carcinoma can show up in such a wide variety of ways, that while photos are helpful, it’s best to have a board certified dermatologist do an exam.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This is the second most common skin cancer, with nearly 2 million cases a year in the US. It is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and can spread to lymph nodes more easily. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is important.  

Just like BCC, SCC has a wide variety of appearances:

• A small red bump
• A scaly patch
• A warty growth
• A little horn growing out of the skin
• A sore that doesn’t heal

Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Topical medication (for superficial skin cancers)
• Electrodessication and curettage (for superficial skin cancers on the trunk and extremities)
• Surgery (excisional)
• Mohs surgery
• Radiation therapy for non-surgical candidates

Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the third most common skin cancer, with more than 100,000 cases a year in the US. But it has increased by more than 30% in the past decade, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The good news is that, if caught and treated early, the 5-year relative survival can be more than 90%.

Similar to other skin cancers, Melanoma can have a wide variety of appearances. However, it most commonly presents as an irregular, dark spot.  Here’s a helpful list from the American Academy of Dermatology that discusses the various features of melanoma.

Melanoma can look like:

• A mole that changes in appearance
• Any kind of spot (it could look like a mole, freckle, or age spot) that looks different from the others on your skin
• A spot with a irregular borders
• A spot with more than one color
• A raised growth that bleeds
• A dark vertical line underneath the nail or a band of darker skin around a fingernail or toenail

Melanoma Treatment

• Surgery
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (in certain cases, to check for metastasis)
• Chemotherapy (if the melanoma has spread)

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-skin cancer. It affects more than 58 million Americans, but only turns into cancer in two to five percent of cases. AKs generally look like small, pink scaly spots.

What can it look like:

• A pink scaly or gritty spot
• Irritated red skin
• Badly chapped lips

Treatment

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• Topical medication

Early Detection Saves Lives

Given that skin cancer can show up anywhere on your skin – under fingernails, on the tops of your ears, on your back – it’s vital to perform self-checks monthly. (Here’s a guide on how to do it in 10 minutes).

“All skin cancers are treatable if caught early,” said Hovik Ashchyan, MD, Mohs Surgeon at Golden State Dermatology. “If you’ve had a history of significant sun exposure and sun burns, or a family history of skin cancers, it’s important to see a dermatologist regularly for skin checks.”

As always, if you have any questions or doubts about any marks on your skin, reach out to your closest GSD clinic for a consultation. You can find a clinic near you here. And if you have multiple freckles and/or moles, set up regular appointments so we can help you track any changes.

What is Mohs Surgery?

What exactly is Mohs, and how is it different than other types of cancer surgery?

Mohs Surgery is a technique developed in the 1930s by Frederic Mohs. The key aspect of Mohs surgery is that the full tissue margins are assessed under the microscope in real-time. Because of that precision, the skin cancer cure rate is close to 99%. In addition, the procedures leaves the smallest possible scar for the patient.

Did You Know?

The names of skin cancers are related to where they start in the skin. The top layer of skin is called the epidermis. Within that layer are three main types of cells.

• Squamous: These are flat cells in the outer part of the epidermis. You shed and form these cells constantly – without even noticing!
• Basal cells: These are in the lower part of the epidermis. They move up to replace the squamous cells, changing shape as they go, to become flatter.
• Melanocytes: These make a brown pigment called melanin, which creates the skin’s tan or brown color. Melanin provides protection from sun damage for the lower layers of skin.

“Skin cancers can present in a wide variety of ways, so it often difficult for patients to know if their skin lesions are concerning or not. Dermatologists are trained experts in detecting the features of skin cancers and differentiating them from benign skin lesions. Thus, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you are concerned about any spots on your skin. When in doubt, come see us for a skin check!” said Hovik Ashchyan, MD, Mohs Surgeon at Golden State Dermatology.”  

News provided by Colorescience 

Study led by Calkin and Boudreaux Dermatology

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Colorescience^®, a leading dermatologist-recommended specialty skincare company, announces published results in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Skin Cream for Improving Periocular Rhytids and Dryness. The 8-week open-label clinical trial assessed the efficacy and tolerability of the Colorescience Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream for treating subjects with periorbital wrinkles, dryness, laxity and dark circles.

Dr. Jacqueline M. Calkin and Dr. Alison A. Boudreaux, board-certified dermatologists at Calkin and Boudreaux Dermatology in Sacramento, CA, along with Barbara Taylor, Product Specialist, led the study.

Dr. Jacqueline M. Calkin shares, “As investigators for the Colorescience® Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream clinical study, both Dr. Boudreaux and I were able to observe and measure firsthand the multiple benefits of this product. We were particularly impressed to see improvement in laxity, especially in the upper eyelids, and dryness as early as 4 weeks and pleased that 100% of subjects showed global improvement by week 8. Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream perfectly complements the Total Eye® collection and has quickly become a patient favorite.”

Results of the clinical study showed significant improvements for laxity and dryness as early as week 4, and for dark circles by week 8. All subjects (100%) showed global improvement by week 8. Additionally, all subjects “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the product made their eyes feel more hydrated (100%), look and feel healthier (95%) and increased confidence in their eye appearance (91%). An impressive 97% of subjects would continue using Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream. The Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream was well tolerated and successfully demonstrated improvements in the overall appearance of the periorbital area and in the subjects’ eye concerns.

On average, skin around the eye area is 5x thinner than the rest of the face, and the top skin concerns affecting the skin in this area include dark circles, loss of firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dehydration. Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream was developed to target these common concerns with a patented Total Eye® Complex – a blend of unique specialty ingredients, while specifically focusing on increasing firmness of eyelids and the under-eye area, delivering intense hydration, and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Colorescience® Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream is part of the brand’s Total Eye® regimen and can be used alone or in conjunction with award-winning Total Eye® Renewal Therapy SPF 35 as well as the Total Eye® Hydrogel Treatment Masks and Total Eye® Concentrate.

ABOUT COLORESCIENCE®

Colorescience^® delivers clinically proven skin care and sun care innovations that are thoughtfully designed to improve overall skin health. Going beyond UV protection, Colorescience^® believes in preventing skin damage before it starts with clinically tested formulas that are trusted, recommended, and personally used by physicians and patients alike. Using cutting-edge innovation to formulate with efficacious ingredients, Colorescience^® products deliver immediate and long-term results that provide confidence for all ages, skin types, and concerns.

Colorescience® premium products are available through a network of licensed physicians and on colorescience.com.

SOURCE Colorescience

Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology is excited to announce that they have partnered with SkinCeuticals, the #1 medical skincare brand in the US, to become Sacramento’s first Flagship Advanced Clinical Spa. As a SkinCeuticals Flagship, Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology has access to state of the art in-office treatments, early product releases and an unmatched level of partnership. At Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology, our team of unparalleled providers believe the best results are integrated: a precise combination of clinical in-office procedures and an advanced homecare regimen is the ideal pairing to achieve healthy, youthful looking skin. Visit us in-office for a complimentary SkinScope analysis and to learn more about our exciting partnership.

Another way to save with Alle is now available at our office. Scan our Allē QR code on your next visit for a chance to score something special. These are surprise offers for Botox, Juvederm and other services within the Allergan portfolio. 

Pro tip: Make sure you are an Allē Member with the latest version of the Allē app downloaded ahead of your visit.

Barbara Taylor

Calkin Boudreaux Dermatology Associates

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What can I expect during my skin care consultation at Calkin Boudreaux Dermatology?

Initially, I will take specialized photographs that quantify the levels of sun damage and inflammation in the skin and often reveal skin conditions that patients were unaware of. I will then ask the patient to share their skin concerns and goals, products that they are currently using, and budget for skin care products. Together we develop a personalized treatment plan to address their concerns and allow patients to achieve outstanding results.

What are the three most important products for my skin—from a dermatologist’s perspective?

The three most important skin care products will vary depending on the patient’s concerns. An acne patient, for example, will require different products from someone with aging and sun damage as primary concerns. For the aging skin patient, we typically recommend a medical-grade antioxidant serum, a retinoid and a growth factor product. Of course, all patients need a mineral sunscreen tailored to their skin type.

What exclusive products are offered at Calkin Boudreaux Dermatology? 

Drs. Calkin and Boudreaux proudly offer their exclusive line of medical-grade skin care, MD Alchemy. The products are wildly popular among our patients and deliver almost magical results. Additionally, we are the only practice in Northern California to offer Custom Dose by SkinCeuticals, a custom skin serum that is compounded in our office specifically for your skin concerns. These are only a few of our offerings, however. Please visit our office for your complimentary, professional skin care consultation. I would love to show you our portfolio of services!