Skin cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the skin. This usually develops on areas of the skin that have received the most sun exposure, but skin cancer can also affect parts of the skin that don’t get sun exposure. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Skin cancer treatments are most successful when diagnosed and treated early. The longer skin cancer has been present, the more challenging it is to treat, and untreated skin cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
Causes
Sun Exposure
Over 90% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. The two main subgroups of skin cancer are non-melanoma and melanoma, with non-melanoma skin cancer being the most prevalent (typically basal and squamous cell).
Tanning Beds
UV light is harmful whether it comes from the sun or indoor treatment. The use of tanning beds is strongly discouraged.
Moles
Moles are usually not harmful and most do not progress to malignancy. The more moles you have, the more your risk of developing skin cancer increases. A mole's many cells harbor genes that fuel the growth and multiplication of cancerous cells. This gene will typically remain dormant, but this may not always be the case.
Mohs Surgery
In Mohs surgery, we remove the thin layers of skin containing cancer cells and repeat this process until all cancer cells are gone. The Mohs procedure is intended to remove malignant tissue without causing any damage to healthy tissue nearby.
Excision
Excisions are a type of surgical treatment used to remove skin cancers, like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinomas. This technique entails removing the affected area and a margin, which is the healthy skin surrounding the damaged area.
Our Process
Consultation
We conduct a consultation with all patients to explore their medical history, concerns, and options for skin cancer treatment in Littleton, CO.
Detection
Early identification is crucial. We can help identify skin cancer early by performing a skin exam in our office. We provide expert skin exams in an efficient and painless manner. A skin exam could potentially save your life. Our providers have the highest level of training and expertise in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
Treatment
Different treatments are available depending on the type of skin cancer a patient has. Whether it's an excision or Mohs surgery, Elevated Dermatology has options.
Christopher Messana
DO, FAOCD, FAAD, ACMS
- Specialty
- Cutaneous oncology, Mohs surgery, and Skin Cancer Surgery
- Education
- University of Michigan and Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Dermatology Residency, Cleveland Clinic Mohs Surgery Fellowship
- Credentials
- Member of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
The most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells are found right under the skin’s outer surface, while basal cells are found under squamous cells. Melanocytes are located in the deeper layers of the epidermis. There are many factors that are thought to contribute to the development of skin cancer, including UV radiation from the sun, diseases that affect the immune system, and exposure to toxic substances.
Basal and squamous cell carcinoma usually look like scaly lesions or bleeding lesions that usually don’t heal. They can also include bumps or warty-like lesions that don’t disappear. Signs of melanoma include dark lesions on certain parts of the body, changes in the color, size or shape of moles, or brown spots covered in darker specks. Those with skin cancer symptoms or signs should seek a medical diagnosis so treatment can begin early if needed.