Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin begin to grow uncontrollably. The skin is the body's largest organ and is constantly exposed to environmental factors like UV rays from the sun, which can damage the skin cells over time. Skin cancer can develop in any part of the body, but it is most common on areas that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and arms.
The main types of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, BCC usually develops in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, like the face and neck. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC can appear on sun-damaged skin and can spread to other tissues if left untreated. It is more aggressive than BCC but is still highly treatable if caught early.
Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma develops in the cells responsible for producing pigment (melanocytes). It can spread rapidly to other parts of the body and requires immediate attention.
Skin cancer is primarily caused by damage to the skin cells due to UV radiation. Here are some of the most common causes:
Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer.
Tanning Beds: Using tanning beds exposes your skin to harmful UV radiation, significantly increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Family History: A family history of skin cancer can make you more susceptible to the disease.
Weakened Immune System: Those with a weakened immune system, such as transplant recipients, are at an increased risk of skin cancer.
Being able to recognize the early signs of skin cancer can save your life. Look out for the following warning signs:
New growths or sores that do not heal.
Changes in existing moles or spots, including irregular borders, color changes, or an increase in size.
Itchy, bleeding, or painful lesions.
Unusual lumps or bumps on the skin.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible for a skin check.
While you can’t always prevent skin cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
Sun Protection: Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours when outdoors. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that significantly increases your risk of skin cancer.
Get Regular Skin Checks: Early detection is key. Visit a dermatologist for regular skin checks to monitor for any changes in your skin.
Seek Shade: Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
At West Derm Center, we provide comprehensive skin cancer care, including early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. If you’re diagnosed with skin cancer, our expert dermatologists will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Regular skin cancer screenings are essential for early detection. Our team uses the latest technology to examine your skin and identify any suspicious growths or changes. Early detection of skin cancer increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
For skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is a highly effective technique. This procedure involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer, ensuring that all cancer cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Excisional surgery involves removing the cancerous growth along with a margin of healthy tissue. This method is often used for smaller skin cancers and can be highly effective in removing the entire tumor.
For some superficial skin cancers, such as certain types of basal cell carcinoma, topical treatments like Aldara (imiquimod) cream may be used to treat the cancer without surgery.
Radiation therapy may be recommended for certain skin cancers, particularly when surgery isn’t an option or for cancers located in hard-to-reach areas.
In more advanced cases, chemotherapy may be used to treat skin cancer, especially if it has spread beyond the skin to other areas of the body.
Expert Dermatologists: Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Care: From prevention and screenings to advanced treatment options, we offer full-service care to protect your skin and health.
Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the most advanced tools and procedures, including Mohs surgery and specialized treatments, to provide the best care possible.
Compassionate Support: We understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your treatment and provide the support you need.
Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early, so regular screenings and proactive sun protection are crucial. Schedule an appointment at West Derm Center today for a comprehensive skin check and take the first step toward protecting your skin and overall health.
