Question:
I've had countless blistering sun burns (that used too be the way I got my
*base tan* - I've quit doing this, BTW). I've got a few moles I keep an eye on
(irregular edges but still flat - as of yet no changes in surface, color, size
etc.). What happens to these if the P spreads and takes over the skin where
they are located? Are they still a cancer risk? How can you keep an eye on them
if P makes it harder to see any changes?
Also, since I'm at a higher risk for developing skin cancer at some point in
life (strong family history, very fair-skinned, the past sun-burns I've
mentioned), is it safe to do the coal tar/sun light treatment? I've had a doc
recommend a mild Goekermann (is that the right term?) treatment, but the
possibility of raising my risk of skin cancer bothers me.
Answer:
> I've got a few moles I keep an eye on
> (irregular edges but still flat - as of yet no changes in surface, color, size
> etc.).
If they are flat, that's not an indicator that they are benign. Just a side note.
> What happens to these if the P spreads and takes over the skin where
> they are located? Are they still a cancer risk?
Yes. . . . .. the nevi (moles) are comprised of pigment cells which stay there, but
are generally unaffected by, psoriasis.
> How can you keep an eye on them if P makes it harder to see any changes?
If there is any suspicion that they are premalignant, they should be removed
anyway. If they are routine dermal nevi, and that's certified by your
dermatologist, then no problem unless you notice or feel changes. (I say "feel",
because itching in a mole is one of the cardinal signs that it may be changing --
this makes it doubly hard, sometimes to deal with nevi in psoriatic areas.)
> Also, since I'm at a higher risk for developing skin cancer at some point in
> life (strong family history, very fair-skinned, the past sun-burns I've
> mentioned), is it safe to do the coal tar/sun light treatment?
Certainly the therapy would increase your risk. There is good proof of that. But
whether you want to (and need to) clear your psoriasis with a technique that
further puts you at risk, is a decision that's one of those darned "if the effect
outweighs the risk" questions.
Sorry I cannot give you much of a definite answer, but the risk will increase.
Realize, too that most melanomas do NOT arise in pre-existent nevi.
