From The Skin Cancer Foundation

Source: www.skincancer.org

A new study appearing in the journal Nature greatly reinforces the findings of an earlier landmark genetic study linking damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UVR) to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In 2009, researchers out of Hinxton, England, used new molecular technology to examine the complete genetic material (the genome) of a melanoma taken from a patient with the disease, identifying thousands of mutations (genetic flaws) caused by damage from solar UVR. The study has been seen as the greatest evidence to date that UVR causes genetic damage that may lead to melanoma.

Now, researchers at Harvard and MIT have studied the genomes of 25 melanoma patients. They discovered a specific gene, PREX2, that was damaged and mutated in 11 of the 25 genomes. They observed, furthermore, that the amount of mutations in this gene was directly linked to chronic UV exposure; the more exposure patients had, the more mutations they had in PREX2, apparently confirming the role of sun damage in melanoma development. PREX2 mutations have occasionally been reported in colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer, and frequently reported in breast cancers; they have been found to accelerate tumor formation in human melanocytes (the pigment cells where melanomas develop).

PREX2 normally interacts with a certain tumor-suppressing protein; UV damage may cause changes in PREX2 that allow the protein to turn from a tumor suppressor into a tumor promoter, thereby leading to melanoma.  

“We still can’t say we know exactly how it works,” says Levi A. Garraway, senior coauthor of the study. “But PREX2 may be a very new category of mutated cancer genes that point us to at least one and maybe more pathways worth targeting therapeutically in melanoma.”    

Professor Mark Middleton, director of Cancer research UK’s Experimental Cancer Medicine Center at the University of Oxford, said that the study highlighted the important role played by sun damage in melanoma, and emphasized the need to follow simple sun safety measures such as shade, clothing, and SPF15+ sunscreen. 

Here is what you should know about skin cancer:

Be on the lookout for skin cancer! 1 in 3 people are estimated to have skin cancer in their lifetime. It can affect anyone at any age and with any skin type. You can never be too careful or too cautious. Taking care of your skin, like always remembering your sunscreen, and being educated about skin cancer are great ways to protect yourself and those you love.

Below are five different skin conditions to keep an eye out for when you exam you skin, as well as a short story that demonstrates the importance of knowing what to look for and being diligent in getting in to see your dermatologist for regular skin checks.

Different Types of Skin Cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

 The most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. These present as raised, pink, translucent, pearly nodules that may ulcerate and bleed. These can be found on sun exposed sites, but not always.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Usually raised, pink nodules or patches that occur on sun exposed sites. These often occur with no symptoms and a small number can become invasive.

Melanoma

This cancer can become invasive and life threatening. Most are brown to black with irregular borders, but not always.

Be alert for the ABCDE’s:

Asymmetry

Border irregularity

Color variation

Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser)

Evolving or changing

Actinic Keratosis (AK)

These pre-cancers are caused by the sun and are often rough scaly bumps. Most occur on sun exposed sites and do have some risk for developing into SCCs.

Seborrheic Keratosis

These waxy tan to brown raised lesions are very common and benign. DermacenterMD considers these proof of wisdom since most occur as you become more fruitful and wise ( a.k.a. age).

That little pink spot was important?

A nice woman who lived downtown and liked to play bingo came in because a friend told her to get a red scaling rash on the left temple checked out. It had been there two months and she had tried several over the counter creams, including hydrocortisone and anti-fungus cream, but it would not go away completely. The spot never had bleeding or pain.

It was suspicious, so a small sample of skin was taken to be sent off to the lab, a procedure termed a biopsy. Most often the biopsies have minimal discomfort and can yield important information as in her case. The spot turned out to be a basal cell cancer. Yes, that little rash was a skin can­cer. She is an example of why we need to 1) educate ourselves on what to look out for and 2) get regular dermatology skin examinations.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin can­cers and they can be treated easily if caught early. Dr. Moore specializes in a scar minimizing, low downtime treatment called Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This technique also provides the highest cure rate available. If you suspect cancer, call now to get your peace of mind and safety.

Our office can be reached at 574-522-0265.

Meet the newest edition to our Dermatology Family!

Josh Holowinski, NP

Josh has joined the DermacenterMD dermatology family as a Nurse Practitioner. He is from Nashville, TN and holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Middle Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in Nursing from Boston College. Before he obtained his education, he served in the Marine Corps as an infantry squad leader during deployments to the Middle East, Japan and the Philippines.

In 2009, Josh secured a position at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where he helped to carry out research studies on numerous conditions including gluten intolerance, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PCOS and ALS. Josh brings with him a wealth of knowledge and education to DermacenterMD, and he aspires to incorporate his background in dietetics with his training in dermatology in order to take patient care to a new level. In the next few months, Josh will work closely with Dr. Moore in the management of dermatologic conditions. His training at DermacenterMD includes the Dermwise training program developed by Dr. Moore. He will be shadowing Dr. Moore and learning all there is to know about being a team member at DermacenterMD.

Welcome to our dermatology family, Josh!

If you suffer from mild to severe rosacea there are certain lifestyle changes that can be implemented to help decrease flare ups and keep symptoms to a minimum. These aggravating factors may or may not affect your flare ups, but if you find that they do, it may be a good idea to avoid or reduce these activities in the future.  

1. Sun exposure-

It is important to protect your skin from the sun using daily sunscreen and wearing a hat to shield your skin. Even a small amount of sun exposure can cause rosacea to flare. 

2. Hot liquids-

Many people with rosacea report having flare ups when they ingest hot liquids such as coffee or teas. Try your coffee or tea iced for a period of time and see if your symptoms improve or subside.

3. Spicy Foods-

Avoiding spicy foods may also improve symptoms of rosacea. Often times, the spike in body temperature induced by spicy foods is thought to cause flare ups.

4. Emotional Upset-

Feelings of stress, anger or embarrassment are thought to make rosacea symptoms worse.

5. Seasonal Changes-

Changes in the weather can also affect flare ups. According to a new National Rosacea Society (NRS) patient survey, nearly 90% of 852 survey respondents said their rosacea is affected by the change in seasons.

6. Alcohol-

Having a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day sounds relaxing, but if you suffer from rosacea it may cause flushing to become worse. The reason for this is unknown, however, alcohol does not cause rosacea despite pervious popular belief.

7. Temperature Extremes-

Extreme hot and cold can cause flare ups of rosacea to be more frequent. If you must be exposed to extreme temperatures, try to stay covered up or stay cool to keep your body temperature as regular as possible.

8. Strenuous exercise-

Exercise has been reported to increase flare ups and cause flushing. Taking it easy can be beneficial to thwart symptoms.

9. Hot baths or saunas-

Once again, avoiding extremes in temperatures such as hot showers or baths can help reduce flushing. Maintaining a regular body temperature can help reduce flare ups.

10. Drugs that dilate blood vessels, including some blood pressure medications-

Rosacea affects the blood vessels of the face and any drug that dilates blood vessels can increase irritation and flushing.

Making simple lifestyle changes like avoiding certain aggravating factors, such as the ones listed above, can help to reduce your symptoms and flare ups. However, going in to see your dermatologist can be the best choice. Your dermatologist can evaluate your skin and determine the best course of action for treatment. Many perscription topicals can provide significant improvement .

If you or someone you care about suspects rosacea, give our office a call today for a full skin evaluation. 

574.522.0265

No referral neceassary. 

Dermatologists are the most highly trained skin specialists in all of medicine.

Board certified dermatologist often have a four year undergraduate degree, then they go through four years of medical school and finally complete a 4 year residency in dermatology  (most have completed 12 years of school).  The board certification process entails passing a rigorous examination as well as maintaining appropriate continuing education credits.

The dermatology residency program is one of the most competitive positions in the medical field, therefore a dermatologist is often one of the top students in the medical school academically.

The residency training to become a dermatologist is rigorous and challenging.  It consists of hands on time in the clinic and subspecialty clinics for dermatology, academic lectures, case presentations, research, skin surgery rotations and quite a bit of study time (as there are over 2,800 skin conditions).  

Dermatologists are trained in most every aspect of the skin, hair and nails.  

Requirements for mastery of topics include interpretation and diagnosis of skin diseases, the pathology of skin diseases and also diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.   Some dermatologists attain advanced training and certification in the most advanced treatment modality for skin cancer, termed Mohs Micrographic Surgery.  This advanced technique is used almost exclusively by dermatologists because it requires in-depth knowledge in pathology of the skin as well as advanced skin surgical training. 

No other area of medicine is as highly trained in diagnosis and treatment of skin problems or skin cancer.

At DermacenterMD we are proud to offer the services of a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Roger Moore, who is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology as well as the American Society of Mohs Surgery.  Dr. Moore is the first to provide Mohs Micrographic Surgery to Elkhart County and continues to be a leader in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology.   In addition, he has been volunteer faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine and hosted dermatology and family practice residents for lectures and rotations.   He is also the founder and president of Dermwise, Inc., a company designed to provide dermatology education to those who are not dermatologists. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moore please give our office a call at 574-522-0265 today.