Skin Cancer Risks in Transplant Recipients: Know the Facts
Skin Cancer Risks in Transplant Recipients: Know the Facts
Skin Cancer Risks in Transplant Recipients: Know the Facts
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What is sk<strong>in</strong> cancer?<br />
The sk<strong>in</strong> is <strong>the</strong> body’s largest organ. It protects aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
heat, sunlight, <strong>in</strong>jury and <strong>in</strong>fection, controls body<br />
temperature and stores water, fat, and vitam<strong>in</strong> D.<br />
The sk<strong>in</strong> has several layers. The ma<strong>in</strong> layers are <strong>the</strong><br />
epidermis (outer layer) and <strong>the</strong> dermis (<strong>in</strong>ner layer). The<br />
epidermis conta<strong>in</strong>s three k<strong>in</strong>ds of cells — flat, scaly cells<br />
on <strong>the</strong> surface called squamous cells, round cells called<br />
basal cells, and cells called melanocytes which give your<br />
sk<strong>in</strong> color. <strong>Sk<strong>in</strong></strong> cancer can occur anywhere on <strong>the</strong> body,<br />
but is most common <strong>in</strong> sk<strong>in</strong> that has been <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sunlight<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> face, neck, hands and arms. There are several<br />
types of cancer that affect <strong>the</strong> sk<strong>in</strong>. The most common<br />
types are <strong>the</strong> basal cell carc<strong>in</strong>oma and squamous cell<br />
carc<strong>in</strong>omas.<br />
Why should I be concerned?<br />
<strong>Sk<strong>in</strong></strong> cancer is <strong>the</strong> most common<br />
cancer <strong>in</strong> organ transplant recipients.<br />
Solid organ transplant recipients are<br />
up to 65 times more likely to develop<br />
sk<strong>in</strong> cancer <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> general public.<br />
It is estimated that up to 70% of fairsk<strong>in</strong>nned<br />
transplant recipients will<br />
develop sk<strong>in</strong> cancer with<strong>in</strong> 20 years<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir transplant but can usually be<br />
treated effectively.<br />
The risk is <strong>in</strong>creased because<br />
immunosuppressive medications<br />
necessary for survival for your<br />
organ suppress <strong>the</strong> immune system,<br />
thus prevent<strong>in</strong>g your body from<br />
reject<strong>in</strong>g your transplanted organ. By<br />
suppress<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> immune system <strong>the</strong>se<br />
medications all <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> risk for<br />
sk<strong>in</strong> cancer.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> cause of sk<strong>in</strong> cancer is<br />
damaged sk<strong>in</strong> from exposure to<br />
ultraviolet radiation from <strong>the</strong> sun<br />
or from artificial tann<strong>in</strong>g. This<br />
ultraviolet radiation can penetrate<br />
sk<strong>in</strong> and damage <strong>the</strong> sk<strong>in</strong> cells over<br />
time.<br />
For high risk transplant patients sk<strong>in</strong><br />
cancer can become a severe problem.<br />
Repeat surgeries for sk<strong>in</strong> cancer can<br />
significantly decrease <strong>the</strong> quality of<br />
life. Patients may develop new sk<strong>in</strong><br />
cancers regularly and <strong>the</strong> frequent<br />
surgeries can be burdensome.<br />
Also, removal of sk<strong>in</strong> cancers may<br />
cause scarr<strong>in</strong>g, sometimes affect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
appearance. When sk<strong>in</strong> cancer<br />
severely affects an organ transplant<br />
patient, immunosuppressive<br />
medication may be reduced or<br />
changed and preventive medications<br />
may be adm<strong>in</strong>istrated.<br />
What are <strong>the</strong> risk factors for sk<strong>in</strong> cancer?<br />
All transplant patients are at <strong>in</strong>creased risk to develop sk<strong>in</strong> cancer. However<br />
transplant patients with <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g characteristics are at greater risk for sk<strong>in</strong><br />
cancer. These characteristics are:<br />
• Older <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
• Men<br />
• Fair and easily burned sk<strong>in</strong><br />
• Freckled sk<strong>in</strong><br />
• Blue, green or hazel eyes<br />
• Red and blonde hair<br />
• People who have outdoor occupations<br />
or extensive exposure to <strong>the</strong> sun<br />
• Family history of sk<strong>in</strong> cancer<br />
• Personal history of sk<strong>in</strong> cancer<br />
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