Skin cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in the skin. This is among the more common types of cancer, and it usually develops on areas of the skin that receive sun exposure. However, skin cancer can also affect parts of the skin that don’t get sun exposure. Skin cancer treatments can successfully treat this disease when diagnosed and treated early. The longer skin cancer develops, the harder it is to treat. Untreated skin cancer can potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Causes
Sun Exposure
Exposure to the sun causes more than 90% of skin cancers. Non-melanoma and melanoma are the two main subgroups of skin cancer. The most prevalent types of skin cancer are non-melanoma (typically basal and squamous cell).
Tanning Beds
The use of tanning beds is frequently advocated as a speedier and safer alternative to spending hours in the sun. However, UV light is harmful whether it comes from the sun or indoor treatment.
Moles
Moles are often not harmful and do not progress to malignancy. However, the more moles you have, the more your risk of developing 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. This process is repeated until all layers of malignant tissue 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 basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanomas. The 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 concerns, medical history, and options for skin cancer treatment in Parker, CO.
Detection
Early detection is crucial. We can help detect 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
A few types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. 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. Different factors are thought to contribute to the development of skin cancer, including UV radiation from the sun, exposure to toxic substances, and diseases that affect the immune system.
Basal and squamous cell carcinoma symptoms typically include scaly lesions or bleeding lesions. These lesions usually don’t heal. Other possible signs of these skin cancers include bumps that don’t disappear. Signs of melanoma include changes in the color or size of moles, dark lesions on certain parts of the body, and brown spots covered in darker specks. Those with skin cancer signs or symptoms should seek a medical diagnosis so treatment can begin early if needed.