While skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in adults, it is rare in children. Some children are more likely to develop skin cancer due to their own or family factors.
Who has an increased risk of developing skin cancer?
Several factors increase the risk of skin cancer:
- Solid organ transplantation (kidney, heart, lung, etc.).
- Bone marrow transplantation
- Cancer and its treatments (radiotherapy and chemotherapy)
- Genetic syndromes that make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Hereditary cancer syndromes
- Family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma)
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Medications that make the skin more sensitive to the sun
- Personal history of sunburn or chronic sun exposure
- Artificial tanning (solariums)
Types of skin cancer
Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer because it can rapidly progress to other areas inside the body. It can occur anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes, including areas usually protected from the sun.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are commonly referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. They can occur at an early age and are more aggressive in immunosuppressed children.
How to detect skin cancer or a suspicious spot?
Skin self-examination is a great tool to monitor our skin. In children at risk of skin cancer it is advisable to examine the skin periodically at home. Parents should keep an eye on their child’s skin and, in case of suspicion, go to a dermatology specialist.
Skin self-examination:
- Stand in front of a full-length mirror.
- Look at the front of the body (including face, head and groin).
- Turn the child around and check the back.
- Use a hand mirror to get a better view of the hard-to-see areas.
How does a suspicious spot present itself?
In all cases, the ABCDEs rule is used to analyze any suspicious spot or mole:
- Asymmetry: the two halves of a spot or mole are different.
- Edges: irregular edges, whimsical shapes
- Color: different shades of color in the same spot or mole
- Diameter: greater than 6 mm. However, many normal moles and spots are larger than this size and some skin cancers are smaller than 6 mm.
- Evolution: recent changes in a mole or spot, bleeding, ulceration and crusting are warning signs.
Ugly duckling sign:
- A spot or mole that is distinctly different from the rest
How skin cancer is treated
Treatment of skin cancer depends on many factors, including the type, size and location of the lesion. In some skin cancers, creams are used that activate the immune system to attack the cancer. In others, surgery is used. If your child has skin cancer, your pediatric dermatologist will advise you on the best treatment.
How to prevent sun damage and skin cancer
We know that the sun damages the skin causing premature aging and skin cancer in high-risk children and also in children without risk factors. Prevention is the key.
Strategies to prevent sun damage:
- Cover the child and stay in the shade.
- Appropriate clothing
- Use of protective eyewear
- Use of hats or caps
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreens that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Sun protection factor (SPF) higher than 30. Sun protection factor higher than 50 is better.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Do not expose children under 6 months of age to the sun.
Types of sunscreens: