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About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. There are several types of skin cancer, but the most common are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, as early detection can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.

Prevention of skin cancer includes protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This can be done by:

  • Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats
  • Using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (and reapplying every two hours)
  • Avoiding tanning beds
  • Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

Types of Skin Cancer

The three most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin and often looks like a small, shiny bump or a pink patch of skin. Over time, it may develop into an open sore or a scab that doesn't heal. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can be locally invasive and cause damage to nearby tissues.

Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include:

  • Long-term sun exposure
  • Tanning bed use
  • Fair skin
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Weakened immune system

There are several treatment options for basal cell carcinoma and the choice of treatment depends on the location, size and type of basal cell carcinoma. The most common treatment is surgery. Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to treat basal cell carcinoma that is in areas where preservation of healthy tissue is critical. In Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes thin layers of tissue and examines them under a microscope until no more cancer cells are found. Your provider can help determine the best treatment option for your individual case of basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It often appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, and hands. Squamous cell carcinoma usually looks like a scaly, red patch of skin or a sore that doesn't heal. It can also be a raised bump with a central depression.

Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include:

  • Long-term sun exposure
  • Tanning bed use
  • Fair skin
  • Weakened immune system
  • Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic

While squamous cell carcinoma can usually be treated with local therapies such as surgery, the risk for spreading is higher than basal cell carcinoma and sometimes requires additional evaluation and treatment. Treatments for squamous cell carcinoma are generally like those for basal cell carcinoma, including Mohs surgery.

Melanoma

Melanoma is potentially the most serious type of skin cancer. It can develop anywhere on the body, including areas that aren't exposed to the sun. Melanoma often appears as a changing dark spot or bump on the skin, but it can also be pink, red, or white.

This type of cancer is more likely to metastasize and likely develops in the melanocytes or the pigment-making cells found in the epidermis (skin). Melanoma is highly curable when caught early but has the potential to grow and spread if left untreated.

Risk factors for melanoma include:

  • Intense sun exposure, especially with blistering sunburns
  • Tanning bed use
  • Fair skin
  • Family history of melanoma
  • Weakened immune system
  • Having many moles or atypical moles

The ABCDE’s of melanoma can be used to help you determine if a spot needs evaluation by a doctor.

A: Asymmetrical, with one half of the growth unlike the other

B: Irregular Border

C: Multiple different Colors

D: Diameter larger than 6mm (about the width of a pencil eraser)

E: Evolving over time, especially if the spot looks different from other spots on your skin

Prevention of melanoma involves protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, as well as monitoring moles and other pigmented areas for changes.

Treatment for melanoma includes surgery. Additional testing and treatments are used for more advanced melanomas.

Learn more about skin cancer from American Academy of Dermatology Association or American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

You should have your doctor check your skin if you:

  • Have a sore that won't heal
  • Find a spot on your skin that has some of the ABCDE characteristics described above
  • Notice sudden changes in spots or moles on your skin.

After examining your skin, your provider may decide to perform a biopsy - removing a sample of the suspicious tissue for evaluation under a microscope. This biopsy is typically done as a routine office procedure while you are awake.

If the results of your biopsy show that you have skin cancer or pre-cancerous cells, your treatment options will depend on the size, depth and location of the growth; the type of skin cancer; and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Common Treatment Options

  • Mohs Surgery is considered the gold standard for effectively treating non-melanoma skin cancer. It offers the highest potential for cure for skin cancers even if the skin cancer has been previously treated by another method.
  • Surgical Oncology is a more extensive surgical option that may become part of the treatment approach if melanoma has spread from skin to other organs.
  • Chemotherapy/Infusion uses powerful anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells.
  • Radiation Oncology uses a stream of high-energy particles to destroy cancer cells.

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