Skin Cancer
Overview
Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and more than 1 million individuals in the United States are diagnosed each year. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, and eventually form a malignant mass or tumor. Over time, malignant tumors overwhelm surrounding tissue and steal oxygen and nutrients from healthy cells, hampering their ability to normally function.
Types of Skin Cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Risk Factors
Some of the risk factors associated with skin cancer are uncontrollable, but many are under your control. To lower your risk of skin cancer, limit exposure to UV radiation, check your skin for suspicious changes and live a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to your health care provider and awareness of the risk factors are also important to prevention and detection. Early detection of skin cancer gives the patient the best chance for successful treatment.
- Blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes
- Fair skin (especially types that sunburn and freckle easily)
- Numerous moles and/or large moles that were present at birth
- Family history of skin cancer
- A personal history of skin cancer
- Genetic disorders that deplete skin pigment
- Already treated for skin cancer
- A history of sunburns
- Excessive sun exposure
- Sunny or high-altitude climates
- Increasing age
- Weakened immune system
- Exposure to certain substances (arsenic)
Symptoms & Signs
Skin cancer usually develops on areas of sun-exposed skin. However, it can also materialize on areas of the skin that are hardly ever exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, beneath fingernails and the genital area. Many people, especially those with fair complexions or extensive sun exposure, should frequently self examine their entire body for suspicious moles and lesions, as well as see a dermatologist.
- A mole that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds
- Moles that are a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red or white
- Large brown spot with darker speckles
- Mole or legion with irregular border
- A new mole
- A pearly or waxy bump
- Flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
- A firm, red nodule
- Flat lesion with a scaly surface
Diagnostic Tests & Services
If your dermatologist or doctor suspects skin cancer, you will undergo tests to determine the cause of the symptoms. Tests help doctors diagnose the stage and type of skin cancer, which largely determines the patient’s treatment plan.
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- X-ray
Treatment
Our compassionate oncology team strives not only to give the best patient care, but also extraordinary patient support. We work together with patients to decide the best treatment plan. Treatment plans are customized to fit the patient’s age, overall health and stage of skin cancer.
- Surgery
- Laser therapy
- Freezing
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
