Skin Cancer is by far the most common type of cancer and can appear at any age and to people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Skin cancer has several forms, basil, squamous and melanoma and often start as abnormal shaped cells on the top layer of skin. These are usually pre-cancerous lesions, and if detected early, can be successfully treated. In fact, most skin cancer treatments are 90% effective in eliminating skin cancer if caught early.

Skin cancer is the result of too much and prolonged exposure to the sun, appearing typically on the scalp, neck, face, lips, ears, arms, chest and hands. But has been known to appear on areas that are rarely exposed to sunlight such as beneath the fingernails or toenails. The best remedy against skin cancer is prevention, such as avoiding the sun and wearing sun screen if you have to be outside and annual skin exams to monitor your skin. Below you will find additional information and details for the 3 main types kinds of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common skin cancer types. It usually appears as a sore or red bump that won’t go away or may bleed from time to time in areas with an abundance of sun exposure such as the face or neck. Basal cell skin cancer usually doesn’t spread to other areas of the body and can cured if be treated early.

Squamous cell carcinoma is also a common type of skin cancer that occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears and hands. It is fairly slow growing and easy to treat if caught early, however, if left untreated can spread to other areas of the body such as the lymph nods, soft tissue and sometimes to bones. Squamous cells usually appear as a raised type bump that is red and scaly. Early treatment is key and prompt removal can cure this type of skin cancer.

Melanoma is by far the most serious type of skin cancer, Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body in the form of unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the way an area of the skin  appears. It can also appear in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color. Melanoma affects people of any skin tone and any age.  A good way to detect Melanoma is the ABCDE rule which is a guide to the usual signs of melanoma.

• A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
• B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
• E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

There are several types of treatments for skin cancer available to our patients. Treatments depend on the type of skin cancer and can include simple excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, and cryosurgery. We also offer Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced technique for treatment of certain kinds of skin cancer. Regular skin exams are key to early detection and curing skin cancer so schedule your annual skin exam today!