Question:
I am 38 and have noticed a small, pinkish
mole on my torso that itches terribly at
times. This started a few months ago. Does
skin cancer itch? |
Dr. Elenitsas
responds:
Yes, itching is one
of the symptoms of skin
cancer. However,
many benign skin growths and normal moles
can also itch. See your dermatologist
for an evaluation.
|
Question:
One
night I woke up with a horrible stinging
feeling on back. It was really sensitive
to touch. Now it has turned into what looks
like a mole and is still sensitive to touch.
Do you know what that could be? I have
had other health problems (rashes
that come and go, and head numbness) and
don't know if it could be because of
this? |
Dr. Elenitsas
responds:
It is difficult to assess
a lesion without seeing it. However,
if it persists, you should have
it evaluated by your primary care
physician or dermatologist.
If you would like to schedule an appointment
with a Penn doctor, you can either call
1-800-789-PENN (7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Jules asks:
Can birth marks turn malignant? |
Dr. Elenitsas
responds:
Congenital
nevi (moles that are present
at birth, one type of birthmark)
have a very small risk of becoming
malignant. The larger the mole,
the greater the risk. In most congenital
moles, the risk is extremely small.
Consult with your dermatologist
to determine if you need regular
examinations of your birthmark. |
Char asks:
I have never had a body check for cancer.
I am 61 years old. At physicals my
doctor has never brought it up. |
Dr. Elenitsas
responds:
It is unclear why your
doctor has never discussed your
risk of skin cancer: It may be
that you are at low risk for developing
skin cancer. You might consider
making an appointment with a dermatologist for a full body skin exam.
If you would like to schedule an appointment
with a Penn doctor, you can either call
1-800-789-PENN (7366) or you can also request
an appointment online. |
Diane asks:
I'm
48 and have a one-time third
degree sunburn in the area just between
my breasts (there is some light scarring).
What is the likelihood that I will get
skin cancer there?
Also, I have "white
spots" all
over — is that sun damage? My heritage
is Italian and English descent. I am also
an ovarian cancer survivor! Your hospital
was extremely instrumental in eradicating
the cancer - (Dr.
Steve Rubin). |
Dr. Schuchter
responds:
Just
having one sun burn does not significantly
increase your risk of skin cancer. White
spots could be a sign of sun damage,
but it is hard to tell without seeing
the spots. I suggest you ask your doctor
if you need to see a dermatologist for
a check up. Great to hear about being
a survivor of ovarian cancer!
|
Christina asks:
I
am 24 years old and had melanoma about
1 year ago. I had my lymph nodes removed
and several surgeries for my cancer. I
am worried every day about getting it back.
Is there any test besides removing
and biopsing every mole that can help
detect melanoma? I have also had three
other surgeries for spitz nevus and
displastic nevus. |
Dr. Schuchter
responds:
In
follow up for your melanoma,
you are being monitored for two reasons.
First is a recurrence somewhere in your
body from your original melanoma and
the second is monitoring you for a new
melanoma skin cancer on your skin. As
you indicated in your email, the only
way to know with certainty that a mole
is concerning for melanoma is to have
that mole removed.
However, depending
upon how many moles you have, sometimes
photography can be helpful in monitoring
moles. This gives a better understanding
whether a mole has changed or is new.
Regular dermatologic visits for the rest
of your life will be important for your
overall good health. It does get easier,
the worry about melanoma, as time passes.
Also,
the worry is worse around the time of doctor
appointments. We just held our annual melanoma
patient conference on May 12. The conference
was videotaped and will be available on Oncolink soon.
We addressed many of these issues during
the conference which I think would be
informative for you. |
Terry asks:
How
often should you have a skin cancer screening? |
Dr. Schuchter
responds:
Frequency
of skin cancer screening depends upon
your age, personal history of skin cancer,
family history of skin cancer, history
of sun exposure and the number of moles
on your body. After performing
a complete skin examination, your physician
can recommend how frequently your skin
should be examined.
|
Elisa asks:
I
have light to medium brown raised moles
on my shoulders. Should I be concerned? |
Dr. Schuchter
responds:
It
is difficult to evaluate moles
without actually seeing and examining
them. In general, moles that
are larger than a pencil eraser,
those with more than one color,
irregular outline, history of change
in color or size, or history of
itching/bleeding should be evaluated
by a physician.
If you would like to have an evaluation,
we would be happy to help you. Just call
1-800-789-PENN, or you can request
an appointment online. |
Caro asks:
Are "age
spots" a precursor to cancer? |
Dr. Schuchter
responds:
Most “age
spots” represent lentigines which
are caused by the sun. The vast
majority do not progress to skin cancer.
A small percentage may progress to skin
cancer. “Age spots” that
change in size, color, shape, or have
associated itching or bleeding should
be evaluated by a physician.
If you would like to have an evaluation,
we would be happy to help you. Just call
1-800-789-PENN, or you can request
an appointment online. |
