Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting more than one million Americans each year. People often have multiple skin cancers during their lifetime. If you have any questions about skin cancers or their treatment, please be sure to discuss them with your Dermatology Associates provider. If you have a spot or bump that concerns you, please contact the office immediately to schedule an appointment.

Dermatology Associates specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of skin cancers.

The Big Three

The three common skin cancers are: basal cell carcinoma (or BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (or SCC) and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common and least serious of the three. It often begins as a small blemish or pearly-appearing bump that can bleed easily. While BCC has little ability to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, it can be locally destructive, growing and eating away normal skin and underlying tissue. It is most common on the head and neck area.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. SCC can metastasize but usually only in long-ignored tumors or those located in certain danger zones such as the ears and lips. Most patients first notice an SCC as a hard bump, something like a wart or a callous. It is locally destructive and common on the head and neck area, and the backs of the hands and arms.

Melanoma is much less common, but much more serious. Often called the "mole cancer," melanomas can appear as a pre-existing mole that starts changing or as a new, often dark, spot that is changing rapidly. Melanoma can metastasize widely, and is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that don't normally get much sun.

Diagnosis

When a suspicious spot is identified, a small sample of skin (including the spot) is removed in the office using local anesthesia. This tissue is examined under the microscope to determine if it is cancerous.

Treatment

Many skin cancers are treated by simple, quick, and effective office procedures. These minor treatments can include freezing the cancer site, scraping and cauterizing the cancer site, or cutting out the cancer site. There are some topical medications (creams) that can be used on certain superficial cancers, which eliminates the need for surgical treatment. For more advanced tumors, Dermatology Associates offers Mohs Micrographic Surgery.