Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease in which the cells in the epidermis, the skin’s top layer, multiply rapidly. Mutations in the DNA cause this out-of-control growth that leads to a collection of cancer cells. As the most common type of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin type or ethnicity.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The three most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC typically develops as a small, pink bump on the skin. The most common type of skin cancer, BCC most often affects people with fair skin. BCCs develop in areas frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, chest, and arms. It’s a slow-growing cancer that doesn’t metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body, but it can destroy your healthy tissues.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is less common than BCC, but it’s still prevalent in adults. SCC lesions often appear like a scaly sore on the face, ears, neck, or back. While common in fair-skinned individuals, SCC also affects those with darker skin tones. This type of cancer can be aggressive and, while rarely life-threatening, can spread to other areas of the body.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Most melanomas begin as a mole that evolves. While treatable in its early stages, melanoma can spread rapidly and become life-threatening. Regular skin cancer screenings are the best tools to detect melanoma before it spreads throughout your body. 

What causes skin cancer?

The most common cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun, which burns and blisters the skin. While anybody can get skin cancer, you’re at an increased risk if you:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun
• Use tanning beds
• Have fair skin
• Have light-colored eyes and blonde hair
• Have precancerous growths (actinic keratosis)
• Have several moles
• Take immunosuppressant medications

If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has skin cancer, you’re also at a higher risk of developing the disease.

What are the treatments for skin cancer?

The type of treatment Dr. Robare recommends depends on the type and severity of your skin cancer. Once Dr. Robare diagnoses your condition, she may recommend one of the following skin cancer treatments:

• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Surgical excision
• Mohs surgery
• Cryotherapy
• Photodynamic therapy

To learn more about skin cancer, call Magnolia Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online.