Unfortunately, skin cancer continues to be an unrelenting occurrence in America. In fact, it’s the most common cancer in the country. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. receive a skin cancer diagnosis each day.
The good news is Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics experts are on the frontline utilizing the latest technology and best practices to diagnose the different types of skin cancer and perform skin cancer treatment. However, patients have a part to play, too. If a patient has a skin cancer concern, it’s important to take immediate action as early detection of signs and symptoms remains essential in successfully treating and removing skin cancer. A spot on the skin lasting two weeks or longer that is growing, changing shape, bleeding, or itching warrants a visit to a dermatologist.
The following information can help build skin cancer awareness and empower those with concerns to get the professional guidance they need.
Types of Skin Cancer
When skin cell DNA is damaged it can trigger mutations, allowing the skin cells to multiply quickly and form cancerous tumors on the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Years of regular sun exposure or indoor tanning typically cause skin cancer. The most prominent forms are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma often occurs in people with fair skin. Yet those with skin of color are susceptible to it as well. Although this type of skin cancer usually appears on the head, neck, arms, and back of the hands, it can materialize throughout the body, such as on the legs, chest, and abdomen. While signs and symptoms can vary, be on the lookout for a reddish patch of irritated skin, a shiny nodule or bump, or a scar-like area that is white or waxy. Basal cell carcinoma can grow deep into the skin, but rarely do they ever spread inside. Time is of the essence when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma usually forms on areas of the skin that typically get the most sun exposure. Think the face, rim of the ear, neck, arms, back, and chest. Symptoms include a thick, rough, scaly patch that may bleed. It can sometimes appear to be a wart or an open sore. Although it’s rare, untreated squamous cell carcinoma can spread to the lymphatic system, bloodstream, and other parts of the body.
Melanoma
Cancerous moles, known as melanoma, typically present as an odd-shaped or dark mole or a change in a pre-existing mole. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using an ABCDE technique for spotting possible early melanoma. If a mole is asymmetrical; has a border that is irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined; has varying colors from one area of the mole to the next; has a diameter typically larger than 6 millimeters; and evolves in size, shape, or color, it may indicate melanoma. Known as the deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma has the ability to spread to other parts of the body when not detected early.
Skin Cancer Treatment
The different types of skin cancer treatment available today can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments. Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics offers several skin cancer treatment options, including Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced procedure and currently the most successful skin cancer treatment available, for treating basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
The surgeon uses a local anesthetic to precisely remove small layers of skin in succession, examining the tissue along the way until the samples show the cancer has been eradicated. Only the cancerous skin is removed, preserving healthy skin and minimizing scarring. The procedure is performed in a single visit, and the wound is repaired the same day. Mohs surgery has the highest success rate of all treatments for skin cancer. Its five-year cure rates for new cancers are more than 99%, and it has a 95% cure rate for recurring cancers.
Concerned About Possible Skin Cancer? Make an Appointment with Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics
When it comes to diagnosing and treating skin cancer, Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics can’t overstate the importance of timeliness. Allow our board-certified dermatologists the privilege to perform a thorough skin cancer screening. If needed, our experts will guide you toward the path of recovery by helping decide the best course of action and removal options. Our level of professionalism and skill combined with patient-centered compassion are here for you.
To discuss any skin cancer concerns you may have, schedule an appointment online.
