Cancer Screening and Treatment CT

Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it is also highly treatable when detected early.

Skin cancer affects more than one million Americans every year with one in five developing skin cancer at some point in their lives, making early detection vital in the fight against skin cancer. Self-screenings are an important part of early detection, but dermatologists are the best-qualified physicians to diagnose and treat skin cancer.

Treatment options depend on many factors, including the subtype of cancer, the location of the cancer, your age and your personal preferences. Your dermatologist will go over the options with you, which may include prescription creams, surgery, radiation and sometimes chemotherapy.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma: BCC is the most common type of skin cancer.  It is also the least dangerous.  The vast majority of BCCs only grow on the skin and don’t spread to inside the body.

Melanoma: Melanoma is cancer of the pigment-producing cells of your skin, called melanocytes.  It is one of the more dangerous skin cancers, but if caught early it can often be cured.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. It often only involves the skin, but does have some risk of spreading to other parts of the body. Cancers located on the ears, lips, or central face are at highest risk of spreading.

In this section, we have provided patient information and education pertaining to the different types of skin cancer. By enabling patients to learn more, hopefully they can make better decisions about their health.

This content should serve as a supplement, not a replacement, to a doctor’s examination. All of our providers have the training and skill required to accurately diagnose, treat and achieve the best possible results.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to be seen by one of our dermatologists, click the button below to request an appointment.

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Additional Resouces from the American Academy of Dermatology