Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and involves abnormal growth or functioning of the skin cells. Skin cancer is most commonly caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Symptoms

Signs of skin cancer can be subtle, so you should monitor the lesions on your skin. Different types of skin cancer can vary in appearance. Changing or unusual moles, non-healing pimples or sores, and growing bumps may all be signs of skin cancer.

Treatment

Different types of skin cancers require different types of treatment. These can include surgical excision to remove the skin cancer, scraping and burning the cancerous cells, cryotherapy to freeze the cancer, or topical treatments, which can all be performed in our office. More advanced cases of skin cancer require an extensive work-up and care coordination with a cutaneous oncologist.  Fortunately, when diagnosed and treated early, most skin cancer cases have very good outcomes.

When to make an appointment

If you have a changing or unusual mole, a non-healing pimple or sore, or a growing bump on your skin, Contact us for an evaluation.  Early detection and intervention are important to ensure the best outcome possible.