Skin Cancer Specialist

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a group of cancers that can develop on any part of your skin, from the scalp to the soles of your feet. 

While even areas, like between the toes, can develop skin cancer, it most commonly appears on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, and scalp — all areas that tend to get the most sun exposure.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

There are three main forms of skin cancer, including: 

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, usually appears on either the head or neck. It usually looks like a pink or reddish round bump and may be shiny, but the appearance can vary. You may mistake basal cell carcinoma for a pimple, mole, dry skin, sore, or another skin issue.

Squamous cell carcinoma 

Squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most common skin cancer, can vary widely in appearance. It usually appears on the face, neck, ears, chest, or arms. It can also appear inside your mouth, under your fingernails, or on the genitals.  

Common characteristics include rough scaly patches of skin, open sores, brown spots, hard dome-like growth, wart-like growth, curved horn protruding from the skin, or a new sore inside an old scar. 

Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, may look like a new mole, bruise, cyst, age spot, or sore. It may appear as a spot with uneven borders, a spot with multiple colors, a firm dome-like growth, a dark line under a nail, darkened skin around a nail, or a thickened scar-like patch of skin.  

Melanomas can grow and change rapidly, while squamous and basal cell carcinoma tend to grow or change gradually.

Actinic keratosis or solar keratosis isn't cancer, but it's a precancerous growth that requires attention. More than 40 million people develop actinic keratosis yearly. An actinic keratosis usually looks like a reddish or brownish spot that feels rough and scaly. 

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic recommends annual skin cancer screenings. You should also call the office if you notice suspicious new skin growths. The team performs a detailed skin exam, and they may perform a biopsy to test a small sample of skin cells for cancer.

The Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic team uses the DermEngine™ MoleScope™ to take high-resolution pictures of suspicious moles for meticulous examination using optimal lighting and magnification. 

They also use Castle Biosciences technology for in-depth analysis of dangerous melanomas. The advanced genetic sequencing provides very detailed melanoma analysis, providing maximum information from a single biopsy.

After a skin cancer diagnosis, the team can recommend the ideal skin treatment for you. The highly experienced surgeon can remove most skin cancer growths in the office. Many doctors refer their patients to Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic for skin cancer treatment.

Call Wellskin Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic or book an appointment online for skin cancer treatment today.