Understanding Skin Cancer: Prevention, Detection, & Treatment Options

According to the American Cancer Society, around 5.4 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. each year. This makes skin cancer screening one of the most important preventative measures we can all take for our health.

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 According to the American Cancer Society, around 5.4 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. each year.

Fortunately, the vast majority of skin cancers—if caught early enough—are treatable. Indeed, the American Academy of Dermatology states that early detection and treatment lead to at least a 94% success rate.

This makes skin cancer screening one of the most important preventative measures we can all take for our health.

Skin Cancer FAQs

  • What are the different skin cancer types?
  • What is skin cancer screening?
  • What are the melanoma signs?
  • What are the treatment options? An overview of MOHS surgery
  • Preventing skin cancer

What are the different skin cancer types?

The most commonly diagnosed and treated types of skin cancer are known as “non-melanoma” skin cancers. There are two types:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (the most common and accounts for around 75% of all diagnoses)
  • Squamous cell skin cancer (this accounts for around 23% of all diagnoses).

The other 2% are far rarer types and include:

  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Kaposi’s sarcoma
  • T cell lymphoma of the skin
  • Sebaceous gland cancer

The most common —basal cell and squamous cell—also have different subtypes. But no matter what the type, treatment generally involves having the cancerous cells removed. We’ll discuss how this is done in a moment.

What is skin cancer screening?

Skin cancer screening is a whole-body check to examine any moles or areas of concern. It’s carried out by a dermatologist who specializes in this field. They use a magnifying glass, called a dermatoscope, to get a close-up view of any mole or area of skin that could potentially be cancerous or precancerous.

If further investigation is required, the doctor may perform an excision biopsy. This is the removal of the mole/abnormal area under local anesthetic. It will then be sent to the laboratory for examination. If cancerous cells are found, you’ll be scheduled for a more invasive removal. You may also undergo other tests to see if the cancer has spread elsewhere.

What are the melanoma signs?

The most common signs of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are changes in the appearance of a mole or skin blemish. These are identified using an ABCDE approach.

A: Asymmetry: where the shape of the mole isn’t uniform.

B: Border: such moles usually have irregular, poorly defined borders.

C: Color: a cancerous or precancerous mole is usually more than one color.

D: Diameter: they tend to be larger than ¼” in diameter (around the size of a pencil).

E: Evolving: a mole that is changing in shape, size, color, or appearance could potentially be cancerous.

What are the treatment options? An overview of MOHS surgery

There are a variety of skin cancer treatments. For basal and squamous cell types, the gold standard treatment is known as MOHS surgery. This is done under local anesthetic in the doctor’s surgery. Layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope. This is repeated until the skin is cancer free. It takes place in a single day and you’ll be free to go home afterward.

There are also other treatments for the rarer types of skin cancers. Which are used will depend on the individual but could include:

  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiation therapy.
  • Photodynamic therapy.
  • Drugs and immunotherapy.  

Preventing skin cancer

We can all take steps to prevent skin cancer. The number one action is to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. This can be done by:

  • Wearing sunscreen every day on exposed skin—even in the winter.
  • Using a hat to protect the head, face, and neck from the sun.
  • Avoid sunbathing—especially in the hottest part of the day.
  • Don’t use tanning beds.
  • Getting annual skin cancer screening.
  • Regular self-skin checks and seeing a doctor ASAP if you notice a mole that gives you any cause for concern.

Contact Bayou City Dermatology for Skin Cancer Screening & Advanced Treatment

While a skin cancer diagnosis is extremely frightening, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. A yearly skin cancer screening is something we should all add to our health regime, both for peace of mind and to ensure that—should there be cause for concern—it’s spotted and removed in the very early stages.

Our talented skin cancer doctors perform the ultimate MOHS surgery—the gold standard treatment for the majority of skin cancers. Whether you’re worried about a mole, have been given a diagnosis, or are ready to book your annual check-up, we’re here for you.

Discover more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/cosmetic/mohs-surgery