You’ve probably heard about the different types of skin cancer before, and tips on how to keep your skin protected from the sun or harmful UV rays. The abnormal growth of skin usually appears in areas that are directly in the sunlight, but it can also appear in places that are not directly exposed to sunlight. At Advanced Dermatology, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of skin cancers. Surgical excision is usually the best course of treatment, but each patient’s situation is different. Let’s take a more in depth look at the three main types of skin cancer, and ways to identify them.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
1 in 5 people will develop Basal Cell Carcinoma in their lifetime. It is the most common form of skin cancer, and also the least aggressive. The easiest way to identify this type of skin cancer is the light pink color and pearly appearance of the lesion, which might easily bleed and does not heal. More rarely, basal cell carcinoma can present as a flat red scaly patch.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer is the second most common, although its characteristics are quite different from Basal Cell Carcinoma. This type of cancer will likely have a red crusty bump that continues to grow thicker, sometimes at a very rapid pace.
Melanoma
This type of cancer is less common, but is more dangerous if not caught and treated early. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body as well, so it’s incredibly important to take action soon. The best way to identify this type of cancer is to look for the ABCDE’s of melanoma…Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variability within the mole, even odd colors like purple, white or gray, a Dark mole, darker than the rest of your moles, and Evolution, or any change in a mole over time. Any one of these features should encourage you to see your dermatologist.
Why Choose Advanced Dermatology For Skin Cancer Treatment
A large part of our surgical practice is to make every effort to make sure your excision comes out in an aesthetically pleasing way as well. Depending on the size of the lesions, this can be difficult to achieve. At Advanced Dermatology, we take pride in our team’s efforts to eliminate the cancer and leave you with a good cosmetic outcome as well.
If you’re looking for skin cancer treatment in Huntsville or Madison, Alabama, contact Advanced Dermatology today to schedule a consultation.
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