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Early Detection of Melanoma Via Patient and Physician Screening
Dr. Ferris discusses the early detection of melanoma utilizing patient and physician screening.
The most common type of skin cancer in Hispanic patients is basal cell carcinoma, according to Maritza Perez, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. Dr. Perez reviewed skin cancer in Hispanics as part of the “Skin Issues in Latino Patients” forum at the 74th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)(March 4-8, 2016) in Washington, DC. The head and neck region is the most common location of BCC in Hispanics, and it is more common among Hispanic males. Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common, and melanomas are third most common.
The mortality rate from squamous cell carcinoma is higher in Hispanic patients compared to white patients. Dr. Perez indicated that UV light exposure is a predisposing factor for these types of skin cancer, and poor sun protection practices in this population are to blame.
“Patients [in this population] do not perceive that they are prone to skin cancer,” said Dr. Perez. This erroneous perception has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment of patients in this group, which has caused increased mortality and decreased survival.
Marta Rendon, MD, director of the session at the AAD and Medical Director of The Rendon Center for Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, noted that Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the United States and it is estimated that they will be approximately 30% of the population by the year 2050. As a result, dermatologists must emphasize sun protection, avoidance of midday sun, and avoidance of UV radiation.
In his Cutis practical pearls, “Patient Compliance With Photoprotection,” Vincent A. DeLeo, MD, provided tips on sunscreen use. “Patients need a realistic approach to photoprotection based on their genetics, including Fitzpatrick skin type and family history . . . and lifestyle history, which should include location of residence as well as occupation and recreational pursuits,” he said. “These inquiries should lead to a frank discussion of the patient’s risk for developing photodamage and skin cancer.”
Encourage routine use of a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher that carries a “broad spectrum” label. “There is evidence that sunscreens prevent squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and photoaging. Early evidence, less strong but positive, also suggests protection against basal cell carcinoma and melanoma,” Dr. DeLeo reported.
