Learn About Skin Cancer
Types of Skin Cancer
Melanoma
Melanoma can be a deadly form of skin cancer. However, if detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, it can be 99% curable. In advanced cases of melanoma, survival falls to 15%. Melanoma risk is increasing; recent studies show the risk of development of melanoma to be 1 in 62. With a history of 5 or more blistering sunburns, this risk increases to 1 in 31. Regular sunscreen use and sun-protective behavior along with regular skin checks by a qualified professional are important ways to reduce your risk of developing melanoma.
Basal-Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. An estimated 2.8 millions cases are diagnosed in the US every year.
Signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinomas include:
- A non-healing sore
- A pink shiny bump
- A scar-like area
- A Reddish patch.
Depending on their location and size, basal cell carcinomas may be treated with topical medications, electrodesiccation, and curettage, surgical excision, and Mohs surgery. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal but can be highly disfiguring if not treated in a timely fashion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer in the US, with an estimated 700,000 cases diagnosed per year. Signs of squamous cell carcinoma are similar to basal cell carcinoma: non-healing sores, pink scaly lesions. As squamous cell carcinoma sometimes metastasizes, it is important to treat squamous cell carcinoma in a timely fashion. There are many treatment options for skin cancer, including electrodesiccation and cautery, surgical excision, and Mohs surgery.
Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? In fact, more than 2 million people are diagnosed per year, with the total number of cancers found averaging around 3.5 million. That’s more cases per year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. And while the numbers are frightening, there is so much that you can do to prevent skin cancer. Even if you do get a diagnosis based on your yearly skin exam or specific skin cancer screening, we can help treat your skin cancer to give you the best possible outcome.