March 9, 2025
Skin Deep: Your Essential Guide to Skin Cancer
Millions of people put their lives at risk every year under the sun’s rays. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans expected to develop it in their lifetime. But here is some good news: skin cancer is highly treatable with early detection and proper care. So, let’s dive into the world of skin cancer and uncover how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
At Lone Pine Dermatology, we want you to be educated about the importance of caring for your skin. The goal of this article is to be a helpful guide to shed light on skin cancer. What is it, where can you spot it, and why does early detection matter? Let's cover it all from the different types of skin cancer (Did you know there is more than one type?), risk factors, and warning signs to prevention tips and tricks.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Understanding Skin Cancer: Prevention, Detection & Treatment in Logan & BeyondThe skin is the body’s largest organ. With many layers to the skin, one of the main layers involved in skin cancer is the epidermis. The epidermis is made of up 3 different kinds of cells:
- Squamous cells are thin, flat cells at the top of the epidermis.
- Basal cells are round cells, lying just under the squamous cells.
- Melanocytes make melanin under the basal cells. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. The more exposure to the sun, the more melanin they produce, causing the skin to darken.
When skin cancer begins forming, it does so in the layers of the epidermis. Which type of cancer depends on the layer in which the cancer is formed.
Skin cancer happens when mutations of the DNA form in the skin. These mutations cause the cells to grow out of control forming a mass of abnormally mutated cells.
Common Types of Skin Cancer in Utah & Idaho
Residents in Cache, Box Elder, and Bear Lake counties are exposed to high-altitude UV radiation, making regular skin checks crucial. The most common types of skin cancer include:
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma often occur in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. Early detection of these forms is essential as they can grow deep and if allowed, can penetrate the nerves and bones causing damage. Both of these types of skin cancers are commonly found on the face, neck, ears, or hands.
Melanoma skin cancer, on the other hand, can develop anywhere on the body on normal skin or form through an existing mole. Most often, melanoma cancers appear on the face or trunk (torso) of males, and the lower legs of females. Darker complected people seem to find melanoma on the palms or soles of the feet or under their fingernails and toenails. Melanoma is commonly considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread throughout the body.
Less common types of skin cancer include:
Kaposi sarcoma (KSHV) is rare and develops in the skin's blood vessels. This causes patches of red or purple on the skin or mucous membranes. KSHV usually occurs in people with weak immune systems. It is to be considered contagious as it spreads through saliva or blood. It can activate in people with HIV/AIDS, who have undergone organ transplants, or who take immunosuppressant drugs.
Merkel cell carcinoma is also rare but is considered to be aggressive. It usually appears beneath the skin and in hair follicles on the head, neck, and trunk. It is considered aggressive because it often will spread to another part of the body and can return after treatment.
Sebaceous gland carcinoma is also rare and is considered aggressive because of the likelihood of spreading. It originates in the oil glands of the skin. While it can develop anywhere on the body, it is frequently found on the eyelids.
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma often occur in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. Early detection of these forms is essential as they can grow deep and if allowed, can penetrate the nerves and bones causing damage. Both of these types of skin cancers are commonly found on the face, neck, ears, or hands.
Melanoma skin cancer, on the other hand, can develop anywhere on the body on normal skin or form through an existing mole. Most often, melanoma cancers appear on the face or trunk (torso) of males, and the lower legs of females. Darker complected people seem to find melanoma on the palms or soles of the feet or under their fingernails and toenails. Melanoma is commonly considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread throughout the body.
Less common types of skin cancer include:
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma.
Kaposi sarcoma (KSHV) is rare and develops in the skin's blood vessels. This causes patches of red or purple on the skin or mucous membranes. KSHV usually occurs in people with weak immune systems. It is to be considered contagious as it spreads through saliva or blood. It can activate in people with HIV/AIDS, who have undergone organ transplants, or who take immunosuppressant drugs.
Merkel cell carcinoma is also rare but is considered to be aggressive. It usually appears beneath the skin and in hair follicles on the head, neck, and trunk. It is considered aggressive because it often will spread to another part of the body and can return after treatment.
Sebaceous gland carcinoma is also rare and is considered aggressive because of the likelihood of spreading. It originates in the oil glands of the skin. While it can develop anywhere on the body, it is frequently found on the eyelids.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors in Cache, Box Elder & Bear Lake Counties
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer include:
✅ High UV exposure (especially in Utah’s elevated regions)
✅ Fair skin, light hair, or a history of sunburns
✅ Frequent outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, boating in Bear Lake & Logan Canyon)
✅ Family history of skin cancer
The most common cause of skin cancer comes from ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) found in sunlight and tanning beds. As mentioned before, UV exposure is usually the cause of basal cell or squamous cell cancer. The type that is formed depends on which respective layer the cancer begins. Sun exposure can also cause melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
While sun damage is a very common cause, what about the skin that doesn’t see the sun? Other causes could include the use of toxic substances or having a condition that weakens the immune system.
Risk factors can vary for each type of cancer. Truly, anyone who has skin can develop skin cancer, though it is true that people with certain characteristics are at greater risk. The following is a list of commonly known risk factors:
Whether you have these risk factors or not, it is important to know the risks and causes of skin cancer so you can prevent it. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the terrible reality of skin cancer.
✅ High UV exposure (especially in Utah’s elevated regions)
✅ Fair skin, light hair, or a history of sunburns
✅ Frequent outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, boating in Bear Lake & Logan Canyon)
✅ Family history of skin cancer
The most common cause of skin cancer comes from ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) found in sunlight and tanning beds. As mentioned before, UV exposure is usually the cause of basal cell or squamous cell cancer. The type that is formed depends on which respective layer the cancer begins. Sun exposure can also cause melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
While sun damage is a very common cause, what about the skin that doesn’t see the sun? Other causes could include the use of toxic substances or having a condition that weakens the immune system.
Risk factors can vary for each type of cancer. Truly, anyone who has skin can develop skin cancer, though it is true that people with certain characteristics are at greater risk. The following is a list of commonly known risk factors:
- A lighter natural skin color
- Skin becomes painful in the sun, burns, freckles, or reddens easily
- Blue or green-colored eyes
- Naturally blond or red-colored hair
- Certain types or large amounts of moles
- A history of sunburns or tanning bed usage
- A family history of skin cancer
- A personal history of skin cancer
- Old age
Whether you have these risk factors or not, it is important to know the risks and causes of skin cancer so you can prevent it. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the terrible reality of skin cancer.
Prevention and Treatment: Get your skin checked!
After going over briefly what skin cancer is, what can you do about it? Reducing your exposure to UV rays is a huge and simple way to protect your body’s largest organ. This means USE SUNSCREEN. Regardless of whether you want to have a glowing tan or if your skin doesn’t typically burn, your skin’s exposure can go unseen and cause a lot of bigger problems than you can immediately see. Another simple way to avoid it: DON’T use tanning beds. Tans can be glamorous, but skin cancer isn’t.
The next important tip is to GET YOUR SKIN CHECKED! Just as you get an annual checkup with a primary care physician, you should get an annual skin cancer check by a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors. During this skin cancer screening, your doctor will examine any spots you have concerns about including any moles you may have. Having an annual skin check will help you and your dermatologist stay aware of any spots that are new or appear to change. This is a huge factor in determining if these are concerning skin cancer spots.
The next important tip is to GET YOUR SKIN CHECKED! Just as you get an annual checkup with a primary care physician, you should get an annual skin cancer check by a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors. During this skin cancer screening, your doctor will examine any spots you have concerns about including any moles you may have. Having an annual skin check will help you and your dermatologist stay aware of any spots that are new or appear to change. This is a huge factor in determining if these are concerning skin cancer spots.
Where to Get Skin Cancer Screenings in Logan, Brigham City & Preston
Don’t be complacent; take care of your skin! Our dermatology specialists provide comprehensive skin exams and treatments for patients across Logan, Brigham City, Preston, Montpelier, and Garden City.
Call Lone Pine Dermatology today at (435) 554-8442 and schedule a skin cancer screening to keep your skin happy and healthy.
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Schedule a consultation right away by calling 435-554-8442.