Skin Cancer Types

Skin cancer can be caused by many factors such as frequent exposure to sun rays. It is important to keep in mind that all skin cancers could potentially be serious and should be treated promptly. Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells. If they are left untreated, they have a chance of spreading throughout the body and into the organs to cause life-threatening conditions.

Our skin has multiple layers with the top layers being prone to cancer. For example, the epidermis, the top layer, is the layer that’s mostly exposed to the sun. Three different types of skin cancers are as follows: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma.

What Are Some Skin Cancer Types?

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cells are the cells underneath the squamous cells. Since squamous cells are shed for the purposes of keeping the skin new and smooth, the basal cells divide and replace the squamous cells. Sometimes, due to mutations, mistakes in the division process occurs and leads to Basal Cell Carcinoma. This is the most common type of skin cancer that is developed on the face or neck where they are the most exposed to the sun.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is usually flat, firm, or pale like a scar. It might also be in the form of small, pink, shiny, or pearly bumps. It is extremely important that you seek our help if you notice changes in your skin or the appearance of new skin growth. Additionally, only an experienced and knowledgeable provider can diagnose Basal Cell Carcinoma. This type of cancer doesn’t invade inner organs by spreading. However, if left untreated, it can invade nearby tissues or even the bone and cause further damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma also tends to appear in the areas where they are commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, or lips even the backs of the hands. Squamous cell cancers are more likely to spread to other parts of the body, unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma.

You can look out for signs such as persistent, thick, rough, scaly patches that may bleed or warts, open sores with raised borders, or any usual changes. If you notice signs like this, it is important to call us at Dermatologic Surgery Center to make an appointment for further analysis and diagnosis.

Melanoma

The deepest layer of the skin consists of melanocytes which are the cells responsible for producing melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color. If a person leaves the cancer of melanocytes, malignant melanoma, it is more likely to spread to the other parts of the body.

One of the most common signs of melanoma is the appearance of a new spot on the skin that changes in its size, shape, or color. Additionally, you might even notice a new spot on your skin that is different than your other spots. It is very important to get them checked by our provider.

How Are Different Skin Cancer Types Treated?

If you have been suffering from different types of skin cancers, we can start with a consultation to diagnose its type before treating it. One of the ways that we treat some of these skin cancers is through Mohs Surgery. Mohs Surgery is an effective way of removing cancerous skin layers. As you may have already read, that skin has layers, and each layer might receive a mutation that can lead to cancer. At our Medina dermatology center, we strategically remove each layer of the skin and analyze it to make sure we get rid of all the cancerous layers of the target site.

Through Mohs Surgery, the patient gets skin cancer treated in one day! However, this all depends on the patients and the types of cancers they are dealing with. This surgery has two aspects to it: the procedure and the pathology. Pathology is necessary for analyzing the different skin layers as they are removed in order to make sure the cancerous layers are taken out of the target site while leaving the healthy tissue untouched.

How Do I Learn More?

It is very important to take newly occurred changes on your skin seriously. If you have been suffering from skin cancer or have noticed unusual changes in your skin, call us today to make an appointment with our provider. If you have been suffering from skin cancer, we are here to guide you and be part of your healing journey. At the Dermatologic Surgery Center in Medina, Ohio, our surgeon, Dr. Popovisky is here to help you with the treating process.