Skin cancer is a prevalent disease where abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Regular self-examinations and sun protection are essential preventive measures.
Visiting dermatologist Dr. Angela Brimhall, at Sage Dermatology & Mohs Surgery in Draper, UT, for professional skin cancer screenings, expert diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans to identify suspicious lesions and offer timely interventions; increasing the chances of successful outcomes is a critical step in maintaining skin health.
Different Types of Skin Cancer
There are several types of skin cancer, and they vary in severity, depending on which layers of skin are involved, and the type of skin cancer cells present. The three most common types of skin cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma affects the upper layers of the skin, where squamous cells are located
- Basal cell carcinoma affects the deeper layers of skin, where basal cells are located
- Melanoma, which can be deadly and is the most aggressive form of skin cancer
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
You are at greater risk of developing skin cancer if you:
- Have fair skin and freckles
- Have light eyes and hair
- Sunburn easily
- Spend a lot of time out in the sun
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Some of the most common signs of skin cancer occur in moles. You should look for moles that are:
- Large, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
- Irregularly shaped, with uneven borders
- Itching, oozing, or bleeding
- Growing back after the previous removal
Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer
Our dermatologist can diagnose skin cancer by taking a small tissue sample and checking for cancerous cells. The process is known as a biopsy. Depending on the type and degree of skin cancer, our dermatologist may recommend these treatments:
- Cryosurgery – freezing cancerous cells
- Curettage and desiccation – scraping and applying electric current to kill cancerous cells
- Mohs micrographic surgery – removing cancerous tissue layer-by-layer and examining each layer under a microscope
- Surgical excision – to cut out the cancerous cells
