What are the types of skin cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells. The three main types of skin cancer are:
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma may look like a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored lesion, or a bleeding sore that heals and returns.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a red nodule or flat lesion with a crusted surface.
Melanoma
Melanoma can look like a large, brownish spot or a small, discolored lesion with irregular borders. An existing mole that changes in size, color, or texture may be a sign of melanoma.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the more common and less serious types, accounting for about 95% of all skin cancers. Though less common, melanoma causes about 75% of all skin cancer deaths.
What causes skin cancer?
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, although light from tanning beds is also dangerous.
Cumulative UV radiation exposure over many years causes basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Previous severe sunburns are more likely to cause melanoma.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
There are many things you can do to help prevent skin cancer, such as wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and reducing your exposure to mid-day sun.
It’s also important to check your skin regularly and report any changes to the team at A to Z Dermatology right away. They provide skin cancer screenings to catch skin changes early, when they're most treatable.
How is skin cancer diagnosed and treated?
First, the team at A to Z Dermatology examines your skin to determine whether the changes may be cancer. They may remove a sample of suspicious-looking skin for lab testing. This test, called a skin biopsy, confirms the diagnosis and identifies the type of skin cancer you have.
Small skin cancers may not require treatment beyond a skin biopsy that removes the entire growth. If additional treatment is necessary, the team at A to Z Dermatology may recommend:
- Cryosurgery to freeze the growth
- Excisional surgery to cut out the growth
- Mohs surgery
- Non-surgical superficial radiation therapy (SRT)
- Chemotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Biological therapy
For expertise in skin cancer treatment and prevention, call A to Z Dermatology or request an appointment online today.
