Skin Cancer Specialist

What is skin cancer?

Cancer in any part of your body is a condition resulting from uncontrolled cell growth. In the skin, various types of skin cancer arise in the different cell types. Skin cancer is closely associated with ultraviolet (UV) light damage from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning booths. 

There are a few different types of skin cancer, some more common than others. Compassionate Health Medical Center performs skin evaluations in search of signs of:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Melanoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma

You should report any new or changing marks on your skin to your provider to have them evaluated for skin cancer. Unchecked, skin cancer can spread to other areas of your body and become life-threatening. This is why early detection and treatment are crucial. 

When should I get checked for skin cancer?

Your provider at Compassionate Health Medical Center might encourage you to come in for regular skin assessments if you have particularly fair skin or if you have a genetic predisposition for skin cancer. Be sure to mention if you have any known family members with a history of the condition. 

Your provider also teaches you to check your own skin for signs of possible skin cancer. This includes new growths, sores, or changes in moles you already have. You can remember the signs of melanoma, which are:

• Asymmetry
• Irregular borders
• Uneven colors
• A large diameter
• Evolution or changes to the mark

Even if the mole or lesion turns out not to be cancerous, you’re better off coming in for a professional evaluation than skipping it on the off-chance the lesion is cancerous. Your provider might take a skin biopsy so they can test the cells in a lab. 

How does skin cancer treatment work?

Treating skin cancer is much simpler when the cancer is benign, meaning it isn’t spreading. However, there are options no matter your diagnosis and circumstances. Based on the type of skin cancer you have, your provider might recommend:

Surgical removal

This can happen in one of a few different ways. Your provider may excise the mole and some healthy tissue around it using a scalpel, or they might freeze it off with liquid nitrogen. Mohs surgery, a newer technique, preserves as much healthy skin as possible around and under the skin cancer. 

Systemic treatments

Systemic treatments for skin cancer aim to kill cancerous cells, including those that have spread. Common options include chemotherapy, radiation, and photodynamic therapy.

Learn more about skin cancer and its treatments by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online at Compassionate Health Medical Center today.