Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, usually in sun-exposed areas like the scalp, face, arms, or neck. Like other types of cancer, skin cancer typically starts out mild, and you might not notice it if you don’t know what to look for. 

Even if you do know what you’re looking for, not all skin cancer lesions appear the same. While looking over all areas of your body (not just the sun-exposed regions) for cancerous lesions, you should look for lesions with:

• Asymmetry
• Borders that are uneven or jagged
• Colors like black, pink, blue, white, or red
• Diameters larger than the size of a pencil eraser
• Evolving shapes, sizes, or colors

Some types of skin cancer appear as new lesions that you’ve never seen on your skin before. Others develop in moles or spots that you already have and have had for as long as you can remember. 

Since you have more and simpler treatment options for skin cancer in the early stages, you should examine your own skin regularly and get professional skin cancer screenings if your physician recommends them. 

Which type of skin cancer do I have?

There are a few different kinds of skin cancer. Since some are far more rare than others and it’s unlikely you’ll get them, here are the most common forms:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC starts in the basal cells of your skin and is typically located on the head or neck. Around 90% of skin cancer cases are BCC cancers. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC starts in the squamous cells, which are the flat cells on the surface of the epidermis above the basal cells. These cancers tend to be located on the head or neck, but people with darker skin tend to get them in areas that don’t get a lot of sun exposure. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious of these three types because it’s the most likely to spread. They form in the melanocyte skin cells, which give your skin its pigment. 

What are my skin cancer treatment options?

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type of skin cancer diagnosis you get and the stage that it’s in. At Hope Hematology & Oncology Associates LLC, Dr. Bajaj creates a treatment plan that will deliver the best possible outcome, whether the cancer has spread or not. 

Small skin cancers that have not yet spread can be removed using one of several different methods, including:

• Excision
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Mohs micrographic surgery

If the cancer has spread, or if Dr. Bajaj can’t completely remove the lesion with some form of direct removal, she may also recommend systemic therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, photodynamic therapy, or biological therapy. 

To review all of your options for skin cancer treatment in detail, call Hope Hematology & Oncology Associates LLC or book an appointment online today.