Skin Cancer – appears in several forms, basil, squamous and melanoma. Most skin cancers start as pre-cancerous lesions, such as actinic keratoses, and are more common than people realize. However, if detected early, skin cancer lesions are easily treated. In fact, most skin cancer treatments are 90% effective if caught early. We offer some of the latest treatments for skin cancer to our patients and recommend annual skin exams to help you and your skin stay healthy. Below you find additional details for the most common types of skin cancer:
Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common skin cancer types. It usually appears in areas with an abundance of sun exposure as a sore or red bump that won’t go away or may bleed from time to time. 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, usually as a raised type bump that is red and scaly. Early treatment is key and prompt removal can cure this type of skin cancer since it is fairly slow growing. However, if left untreated can spread to other areas of the body such as the lymph nods, soft tissue and sometimes to bones.
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. Melanoma affects people of any skin tone and any age and can be life threatening if not detected and treated early. 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. A good way to detect Melanoma is the ABCDE rule which is a guide to the usual signs of melanoma.
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! Regular skin exams are key to early detection and curing skin cancer so schedule your annual skin exam today!