Skin Cancer Descriptions
Skin cancers can vary in shape, size, color and texture. Any changing growths should be examined by a Dermatologist. Early intervention is key in preventing spread and more serious outcomes.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. This skin cancer most commonly develops on skin that gets sun exposure, such as on the head, neck, or back of the hands. BCC is especially common on the face, often forming on the nose. While BCC often develops on skin that has had the most sun exposure, BCC can appear on any part of the body. Tanning bed use can increase the risk of bcc particularly earlier in life. This type of skin cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body but treatment is important because BCC can grow wide and deep, destroying skin, tissue, and bone. Early treatment can leave you with less invasive procedures and better cosmetic outcome. We offer multiple treatment options for this type of skin cancer depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. This skin cancer tends to develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun for many years and is most frequently seen on sun-exposed areas, such as the head, neck, and back of the hands but it is possible to get SCC on any part of the body. People who use tanning beds or who are immunosuppressed have a much higher risk of getting SCC and earlier in life. Large untreated SCC can potentially spread to other parts of the body. With early diagnosis and treatment, SCC is highly curable. We offer multiple treatment options for this type of skin cancer depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and can potentially be a serious type of skin cancer. Anyone can get melanoma. Most people who get melanoma have light skin, but people who have darker skin can also get melanoma.
show moreMelanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and can potentially be a serious type of skin cancer. Anyone can get melanoma. Most people who get melanoma have light skin, but people who have darker skin can also get melanoma.
Risk factor for developing melanoma include: tanning bed use, blistering sunburns as a child/young adult, living close to the equator, live in a sunny area of the United States, failure to protect your skin from the sun, men over 50 and people older than 65. Your risk of getting melanoma also increases if you have had melanoma or another type of skin cancer, had another type of cancer, such as breast or thyroid cancer, having a disease or taking a medication that weakens your immune system, and having a history of melanoma in your family. When found early, melanoma is highly treatable. You can find melanoma early by following this 3-step process:
If you notice a mole that differs from others on your body or a spot that is changing, bleeding, or itching, see a dermatologist. Learn the warning signs of melanoma and look for the warning signs while examining your skin. See one of our providers if you find any of the warning signs. If you are diagnosed with a melanoma our Dermatology team will help formulate a comprehensive treatment plan for you.