Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery & Laser Surgery

Skin Cancer Treatment

Early detection of skin cancer and skin cancer prevention is the key to maintaining healthy skin. At Skin Physicians & Surgeons complete skin exams are conducted by board certified dermatologists and highly qualified physician assistants, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Periodic self examination is highly recommended.

There are 3 common types of skin cancers

Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer overall as well. Basal cell carcinomas typically appear as flesh colored, pink, or red bumps that persist, and may bleed, heal up, then bleed again. They are directly related to sun exposure and therefore occur most commonly on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and upper body.

Basal Cell Carcinoma occurs most commonly on people with light-colored hair and eyes, particularly if they don’t tan easily. The good news about basal cell carcinomas is that they’re very slow growing and are almost always confined to the skin. In other words, they have a very low risk of spreading internally (metastasizing). Basal cell carcinoma can be treated and cured effectively by a dermatologist and/or Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of skin cancer is the second most common. Like basal cell carcinomas, they’re most commonly seen in fair-skinned people, particularly in sun-exposed areas. They appear most commonly as red or pink bumps or scaly rough areas. They are commonly found on the tips of the ears, the face, and the lips, but they can occur anywhere on the body.

This type of skin cancer is slow growing, but if allowed to develop to a very large size, has the potential to spread internally (metastasize) and potentially affect other parts of your body. However, for the most part, this type of skin cancer can be treated and cured by a dermatologist and/or Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Malignant Melanoma: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. At the time of its diagnosis, there is a much higher chance that it has spread to other areas of the body. In the past two decades, melanoma incidence has tripled. It is a cancer that affects young people. 1 in 4 persons who develops a melanoma is under 40 years old. While it is the 9th most common human cancer, it is second only to adult leukemia in terms of loss of potential years of life. However, if diagnosed early and removed while it is still very superficial in the skin, it can be almost 100% curable.

Melanomas originate in melanocytes, the cells which produce the pigment melanin that darkens our skin, hair and eyes. This pigment and cell type are most concentrated in our moles. The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can stop producing pigment and may appear skin-colored, pink, red, or purple.

Melanomas can appear on normal skin or within an existing mole. It is important to be aware of the location and appearance of the moles on your body. You should monitor your body for any changes in existing moles or the appearance of a new mole. Suspicious signs of melanoma can be summarized by the ABCDE’s:

Asymmetrical Melanomas

Most melanomas are asymmetrical: A line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common benign moles are round and symmetrical. (See examples below)
asymetry

 

Most melanomas are asymmetrical: A line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common benign moles are round and symmetrical. (See examples below)

Melanomas with Border Irregularity

The borders of early melanomas are often irregular with scalloped or notched borders. Common benign moles have smoother, more even borders. (See examples below)
border

 

The borders of early melanomas are often irregular with scalloped or notched borders. Common benign moles have smoother, more even borders. (See examples below)

Melanomas with Color Variability

Varied shades of brown, tan or black are often the first signs of melanoma. As melanomas progress, colors of red, white or blue may appear. Common benign moles are usually a single shade of brown. (See examples below)
color

 

Varied shades of brown, tan or black are often the first signs of melanoma. As melanomas progress, colors of red, white or blue may appear. Common benign moles are usually a single shade of brown. (See examples below)

Melanoma Diameter

Melanomas tend to grow a greater size than a common mole, generally at least the size of a pencil eraser (6mm diameter).

Melanoma Evolution

Moles should be watched over time, and if they show evidence of growing or changing, this increases the chances that they may be developing into a melanoma.

Remember, these are only guidelines to help you monitor your moles at home, an important aspect to maintaining healthy skin. Moles that do not have any of these suspicious signs could still be a melanoma, and we recommend having an examination by a board certified dermatologist to make a definitive diagnosis.

Please contact us at Skin Physicians & Surgeons for a complete skin exam or to examine something of concern.

Call 909-981-8929 to schedule your cancer treatment consultation.

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