Tag Archives: skin cancer

Pediatricians Endorse Indoor Tanning Ban for Those Under 18.

Posted on February 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the professional organization representing the nation’s child care experts, says that indoor tanning salons should refuse to allow people younger than 18 to use their services in order to protect them from developing skin cancer.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB rays) emitted from tanning bed lights has been implicated in rising numbers of melanoma and other skin cancers. Research shows people who start going to tanning salons before age 35 have a 75-percent increase in their chances of developing melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

A previous AAP study of indoor tanning by U.S. youths found that a substantial minority of American youth engages in indoor tanning. However, it is particularly prevalent among older youth, girls, and youth whose parents themselves use indoor tanning sunlamps.

“There are more tanning facilities in the U.S. than there are Starbucks or McDonald’s,” said Dr. Sophie J. Balk, who helped write the new statement for the American Academy of Pediatrics. “More than a million visits are made every day.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million skin cancers are diagnosed every year in the U.S. and most of them are sun-related. Eleven states already have tanning restrictions for kids, but none goes as high as 18 years, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The AAP now joins the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and WHO in seeking an indoor tanning ban.

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Posted in Indoor Tanning

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Actinic Keratosis Treatment with Topical Diclofenac Shown To Be Effective

Posted on November 23, 2010 | Leave a comment

Topical diclofenac 3% gel, available under the brand name Solaraze®, was shown to be effective for the treatment of actinic keratoses in organ transplant recipients.

These findings were presented by dermatologist Dr. Eggert Stockfleth at the Annual Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). His presentation was based on results of new study that followed patients for 16 weeks who used 3% diclofenac twice daily. The study showed that the AK treatment proved effective and well tolerated and prevented invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in organ transplant recipients.

With further follow-up, 55% of the patients who had previously showed clearance of their actinic keratoses developed new AKs in the treated areas. This occurred an average of 9.3 months after diclofenac treatment ended. None of these patients developed invasive SCC in the study area within 24 months of follow-up, suggesting that topical diclofenac gel may also prevent invasive SCCs in this high-risk population.

Other treatments have demonstrated efficacy for treatment of actinic keratoses and/or prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in high-risk organ transplant recipients, including regular use of a sunscreen, imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara®), imiquimod 3.75% (Zyclara®) topical 5-fluorouracil (Carac®, Efudex®), and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Actinic keratoses are a precancerous skin lesions that appear on sun exposed areas of the body, such as the forehead and back of the hands and arms. Actinic keratoses are routinely treated by dermatologists with cryotherapy and other treatments because they can evolve into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Organ transplant recipients’ immunocompromised status renders them highly vulnerable to invasive skin cancer. As transplant survival rates have improved over the years, the high incidence of aggressive cutaneous malignancies in organ transplant recipients has become a significant issue for ongoing medical care.

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Posted in Actinic Keratoses

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Skin Cancer Recurrence May Be Prevented with Combination Therapy

Posted on September 27, 2010 | Leave a comment
Skin Cancer, Melanoma

Skin Cancer, Melanoma

Combining treatments in the treatment of skin cancer may provide better outcomes than skin excision alone according to a story published in the September issue of Dermatology Times, “Skin cancer recurrence may be prevented with combo of surgery and adjuvant therapies“.

James M. Spencer, M.D., M.S., a New York City dermatologist and Associate Professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York spoke at the January 2010 Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical conference where he argued that “dermatologists tend to use only one skin cancer treatment, despite the fact that there are tried-and-true adjuvant therapies and emerging medical therapies, such as imiquimod cream.”

Patients’ desire for a small scar following skin cancer excision leads Dr. Spencer to consider the use of imiquimod cream before surgery. This is not performed to cure the cancer, but rather to shrink the tumor before the procedure.

There are only a few studies looking at outcomes of skin cancer surgery with and without prior treatment with imiquimod, and results are mixed. A 2004 study by Torres A et al published in Dermatologic Surgery reported that use of 5 percent imiquimod cream prior to Mohs surgery resulted in a smaller defect than with excision only of basal cell carcinoma. A more recent 2009 study published in Dermatologic Surgery found no statistically significant benefit in using imiquimod 5 percent cream as an adjunctive treatment of nodular, nasal basal cell carcinomas before Mohs surgery. However, the authors noted that a larger study might show a benefit.

Despite this potential concern and limited data showing effectiveness, Dr. Spencer says it is reasonable to consider imiquimod cream use prior to surgery for the bigger, trickier skin cancers.

Lentigo maligna, or melanoma in situ, has a local recurrence rate of 10 percent to 20 percent. “Imiquimod has been studied as an effective monotherapy for lentigo maligna. So, in my practice, I excise lentigo maligna and follow that with topical imiquimod”, says Dr. Spencer. “Do I have proof that is helping anybody? No. But I would argue that falls into the ‘Why not?’ category.”

“The worst that could happen is nothing; the best that could happen is that your recurrence rate would go down,” said Dr. Spencer.

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Posted in Skin Cancer Experts, Skin Cancer Medications

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Melanoma Risk From Indoor Tanning – Association Stronger Than Ever

Posted on May 28, 2010 | 2 Comments

Indoor tanning users are 74% more likely to develop melanoma than others, according to a study of 2,000+ participants reported in the June issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. This study makes the strongest link yet between indoor tanning and melanoma.

Melanoma afflicts nearly 69,000 Americans a year and is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Researchers began with more than 2,000 individuals, one-half of whom had documented cases of melanoma. The participants were asked their tanning habits, including outdoor sun exposure and use of indoor tanning equipment.

The researchers found that there was an increased risk of developing skin cancer from the use of tanning beds, but not from lifetime exposure to outdoor sunlight, whether through jobs or leisure activities.

The results show such a strong link between exposure to artificial ultraviolet light and melanoma that it could influence the pending FDA decision on whether to tighten regulation of tanning salons. A ban on indoor tanning for teenagers is even possible.

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Posted in Indoor Tanning

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Melanoma Monday to Promote Skin Cancer Detection

Posted on April 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

The first Monday in May has been designated by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) as Melanoma Monday to encourage people to perform skin self exams on themselves and their loved ones.

Jeffrey Ellis, M.D., Dermatologist

Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, Dermatologist & Mohs Surgeon

In support of Melanoma Monday, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Jeffrey Ellis, M.D., FAAD  in private practice at Belaray Dermatology in Plainview, New York, offers his patients online access to skin-self exam tools, including an animation that provides his patients with step-by-step instructions on how to evaluate their skin.

More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and more than 90% of them are related to excessive exposure to UV radiation, usually from the sun. Dermatologists recommend that people perform a skin self-exam once per month as an easy way to detect pre-cancerous lesions, such as actinic keratosis and suspicious moles could be melanoma.

Melanoma Monday is the start of Skin Cancer Awareness Month with that includes a number of national and regional programs to promote skin cancer prevention and early detection. People are encouraged to examine their skin for skin cancer.

Since 1985, the American Academy of Dermatology program has sponsored more than  2 million free skin cancer screenings from dermatologists. These free screenings have detected more than 188,000 suspicious lesions, including more than 21,500 suspected melanomas, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

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Posted in Skin Cancer Prevention

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American Academy of Dermatology Elects Mohs Surgeon as President, Dan Siegel, M.D., FAAD.

Posted on April 28, 2010 | Leave a comment
Dan Siegel, M.D., Dermatologist

Daniel Siegel, M.D. Elected President of the AAD

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) announced the election of Daniel M. Siegel, M.D., FAAD as the new President of the Academy. He will be installed as president-elect in February 2011 and will hold the office of president for one year beginning in March 2012. He will also hold the same position for the American Academy of Dermatology Association

“My goal as president is to continue our specialty’s efforts in providing excellent dermatologic care to our patients,” stated Dr. Siegel. “To that end, the Academy must continue to provide first-class continuing medical education to dermatologists, advocate for increased funding for research, and participate in medical economic decisions.”

Dr. Daniel Siegel is a dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon in private practice at Long Island Skin Cancer & Dermatologis Surgery in Smithtown, N.Y. He is a clinical professor of dermatology and director of the procedural dermatology fellowship at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Siegel is a past member of both the Academy’s board of directors and the executive committee. In addition, he is a member of the boards of directors of the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. He also has authored four textbooks and more than 100 scientific publications.

Academy of Dermatology (Academy), the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 16,000 physicians specializing in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions.

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Posted in Skin Cancer Experts

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Skin Cancer Expert Reviews Zyclara for Treatment of Actinic Keratoses

Posted on April 26, 2010 | 2 Comments
Zyclara for Skin Pre-Cancer with Dermatologist

Zyclara for AKs

Skin cancer expert and New York City dermatologist Dr. Darrell Rigel provides a video reviews the risks posed by actinic keratoses, pre-cancerous skin lesions, and Zyclara®, a topical medication recently approved from the treatment of actinic keratoses.

10 million Americans have actinic keratoses and approximately 10% of them will develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. It is important to treat these precancerous lesions as early as possible for the best results.

There are a variety of treatment options for actinic keratoses. Dr. Darrel Rigel points out that Zyclara®, approved in early April, 2010 by the FDA for the treatment of AKs, provides another treatment option.

Darrell S. Rigel, M. D. is New York City dermatologist in private practice in Manhattan and a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. His research is in the areas of risk factors and prognosis for malignant melanoma and other skin cancers and factors leading to aging of the skin. He is the author of numerous articles and abstracts in professional journals as well as the Editor of “Cancer of the Skin”, the major textbook in this field.

Dr. Rigel serves with many professional and charitable organizations related to his research interests. In 1999, he served as President of the American Academy of Dermatology and currently serves as the President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Rigel has received numerous national and international awards and honors including the American Cancer Society’s National Honor Citation for Skin Cancer Programs and a Presidential Citation from the American Academy of Dermatology for public education programs in skin cancer detection. He is an honorary member of several international dermatological societies and has focussed on enhancing worldwide dermatology.

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Posted in Skin Cancer Medications, Skin Cancer Prevention

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Tanning Bed Addiction is Real

Posted on April 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

The “Addiction to Tanning Beds”  article published in the April 2010 issue of the Archives of Dermatology showed that attempts to reduce skin cancer risk should address the addictive qualities of indoor tanning.

According to the study, about 1/3 of young people who use tanning beds may be addicted to the way that the UV light makes them feel.

It has been known for several years that UV light triggers the brain’s production of endorphins, natural opiates, that improve one’s mood in a manner very similar to narcotics. Interestingly, it has been found that if frequent tanners are administered naltrexone (a medication used in emergency rooms to treat patients who have overdosed on narcotics) they will undergo withdrawal symptoms similar to those addicted to narcotics.

In short, the UV light leads to and increase of endorphins to which some are so addicted, the blocking of those endorphins by naltrexone leads to withdrawal symptoms. This addiction is also suggested in the behavior of frequent tanners who admit to classic addictive behaviors, such as being unsuccessful in their efforts to cut back on tanning, becoming irritated when told to cut back and skipping out on other activities in their lives to ensure that they can use a tanning bed.

This addiction of frequent indoor tanners must be taken into account as the FDA considers restricting access to indoor tanning beds.

See more information on the dangers of indoor tanning

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Posted in Indoor Tanning, Skin Cancer Prevention

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Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Reviewed by Lisa Benest, M.D.

Posted on April 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

Dermatologist Lisa Benest, M.D., provides her clinical opinion regarding the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.

“The most common methods for removing BCCs are surgical excision (cutting it out) and curettage and desiccation (C&D) (scraping and burning)”, said Dr. Benest. She added that “larger skin cancers and difficult to treat areas, such as the nose and other areas of the face, would be the likeliest candidates for Mohs surgery.

Dr. Benest added that “The major advance in treating BCCs is the use of topical immune system booster, imiquimod for skin cancer.  I have had very good success with many skin cancers using this Aldara (imiquimod) cream”.  The advantage is that surgery is avoided, including surgical scars.  The disadvantage is that the cream does create a strong immune reaction, which means the area typically gets very red and scabby for a couple of months.  Ultimately, each patient should discuss with his or her doctor which treatment option is best for the type of skin cancer, the size and the location.

Dr. Benest’s expert opinion were published with the clinical perspective of other leading dermatologists who reviewed basal cell carcinoma treatment options.

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Posted in Skin Cancer Treatment

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Zyclara® (imiquimod 3.75%) Now Available for Treatment of Actinic Keratoses

Posted on April 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

Zyclara® was approved in early April, 2010 by the FDA for the treatment of visible or palpable actinic keratoses.

Zyclara® uses a new formulation of 3.75% imiquimod that can be used daily on larger areas of skin, including the full face or a balding scalp.

Patients receive 2 weeks of daily treatment, followed by 2 weeks without treatment, and then an additional 2 weeks of daily treatment. This is referred to as a 2/2/2 treatment.

In clinical testing involving people with five to 20 actinic keratoses on the face or scalp, Zyclara reduced the total number of actinic keratoses by 82 percent. The most common side effects reported were local skin reactions with redness, scabbing or crusting, and sores or ulcers.

Actinic keratoses should be treated without delay, since they may progress to a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

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Posted in Skin Cancer Medications, Skin Cancer Treatment

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