What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the leading form of cancer across the United States. It develops because of abnormal skin cell growth. Skin cancer can affect any area of skin, but those that receive the most sun exposure, like the face and arms, are at a greater risk.

The three main skin cancer types are:

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form, developing slowly from cells that produce new skin cells.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is also slow-growing. It develops in the surface skin cells.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the least common but also the most worrying form of skin cancer and the one most likely to metastasize (spread) to other areas. Melanoma affects the skin’s pigment cells and can form anywhere, typically developing from an existing mole.

Why would I get skin cancer?

Cancerous growths develop when skin cell DNA damage causes specific cells to multiply out of control. In healthy skin, cells grow and die, replaced by new cells in a continual cycle. Cancerous skin cells don’t follow this pattern — instead, they reproduce and don’t die, forming tumors and eventually spreading.

The DNA damage that triggers skin cancer development is primarily due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from exposure to the sun or tanning beds. The greater your exposure to UV rays, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer in the future.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and having a family history of skin cancer also increase your risk.

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer usually appears as a new blemish or changes to an existing blemish. Examples include:

• Flesh-colored lesions
• Brown scar-like lesions
• Firm, red nodules
• Crusted, flat lesions
• Waxy bumps
• Large brown spots
• Shiny, firm bumps

Existing moles might change shape, size, color, or bleed.

Benign (noncancerous) conditions like seborrheic keratosis are easy to confuse with skin cancer. Seeking an expert opinion from Integrated Dermatology of NJ is vital if you have any unusual skin lesions.

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer treatment usually involves surgical removal. A simple excision removes the growth and an area of healthy surrounding skin to ensure no cancer cells are left behind. Depending on the type of cancer and its spread, other treatments include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Electrodessication and curettage
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• Laser therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

The team also offers Mohs surgery, an advanced procedure that minimizes scarring.

Call Integrated Dermatology of NJ to schedule a skin cancer evaluation or book an appointment online today.