Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is an uncharacteristic growth of skin cells. This serious disorder typically develops on skin exposed to sunlight. However, skin cancer can develop on parts of your skin not ordinarily exposed to the sun’s rays.

What are the types of skin cancer?

The most prevalent forms of skin cancer are:

• Melanoma
• Basal cell
• Squamous cell

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. It looks like a mole that has varied in color, shape, or size over time. It might also appear irregular. Basal cell cancer is typically not fatal. While it doesn’t spread, this form of skin cancer damages the skin tissues around it. Basal cell cancer appears like a shiny, raised area of skin. Squamous cell cancer often spreads. It resembles an ulcer with a hard lump and a scaly top.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

People of all skin colors can get skin cancer. But, if you have fair skin and freckle or sunburn easily, you face an increased risk of succumbing to this disease. If you experienced one or more blistering sunburns as a kid or teenager, your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult increases. Getting sunburned as an adult can also elevate your risk of getting skin cancer. Spending a significant amount of time in the sun increases your skin cancer risk.

Exposure to tanning beds and lamps can also play a role in your development of this potentially life-threatening skin disorder. People living at higher elevations have an increased risk of getting skin cancer due to exposure to more of the sun’s rays. Having numerous moles, skin lesions, or a weakened immune system raises your risk of obtaining skin cancer. If a parent or sibling has experienced skin cancer, your odds of developing it are greater. If you’ve battled skin cancer before, you face an increased risk of getting it again. Exposure to radiation can elevate your risk of suffering from skin cancer.

How is skin cancer treated?

Depending on the type of skin cancer you have, where your skin cancer is located, and your age, Dr. Shaw will choose the best treatment option for you. Cryotherapy, topical or injected chemotherapy, cautery, surgery (including Mohs surgry) and radiation are sometimes used to destroy skin cancer.