Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, but when detected early, it is also one of the most treatable. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. At Skinsol Dermatology, we are committed to early detection and effective treatment to help you maintain healthy skin and reduce your risk.
Causes and Risk Factors
Skin cancer typically develops due to damage to skin cells caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Several factors increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, including:
Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays, especially without protection, is a major cause of skin cancer.
Fair skin: Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are more susceptible to skin cancer.
Family history: A family history of skin cancer increases the risk of developing the condition.
Personal history: If you’ve had skin cancer before, you are at a higher risk of developing it again.
Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to certain medical conditions or treatments) are at higher risk for skin cancer.
Age: Skin cancer risk increases with age, although it can develop at any age.
Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure and performing regular self-checks can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Diagnosis
Skin cancer is often diagnosed through a visual examination and, if necessary, further testing. Our experienced dermatology team may perform the following to confirm the diagnosis:
Skin examination: A thorough examination of the skin to look for suspicious moles or lesions.
Skin biopsy: A small sample of the suspicious skin growth may be taken for laboratory analysis to confirm whether it is cancerous.
Dermatoscopy: A specialized tool that allows the dermatologist to closely examine moles and lesions.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy: For melanoma, this test may be used to check for cancer spread.
Early diagnosis is critical for the effective treatment of skin cancer, as it allows for less invasive procedures and a better prognosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, location, and stage of cancer. Common treatment methods include:
Surgical excision: The most common method for removing skin cancer. The tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed.
Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and remove precancerous cells or small tumors.
Mohs surgery: A precise technique in which thin layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined until only healthy tissue remains. It is often used for BCC and SCC.
Radiation therapy: Used when surgery is not an option or when the cancer has spread.
Topical treatments: Certain creams or medications may be applied to treat early-stage skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: For more advanced melanoma, treatments that boost the immune system or target specific cancer cells may be used.
Early-stage skin cancers are typically treatable with minimal scarring, and more advanced cancers may require a combination of treatments.
