Skin Cancer

One in five Americans develop skin cancer during their lifetime. If you notice new or unusual skin changes, see the specialists at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. Board-certified dermatologists Andrew Nesterovitch, MD, and Kathleen Herne, MD, diagnose and treat skin cancer to prevent it from spreading or becoming life-threatening. Schedule a skin cancer screening by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It happens when skin cells change and grow abnormally. These cancer cells may spread to other areas of your body when left untreated, and cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Fortunately, skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Routine skin cancer screenings are crucial. 

What are common types of skin cancer?

The main three forms of skin cancer are as follows.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: forms in squamous cells in outer skin layers
• Basal cell carcinoma: forms in basal cells in the lower part of outside skin layers
• Melanoma: forms in skin cells called melanocytes that produce brown pigment

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. 

What does skin cancer look like?

The symptoms of skin cancer include:

• New or changing mole
• Mole that bleeds
• Pearly or waxy bump
• Scaly, rough skin lesion
• Itching, crusting, or bleeding skin lesion
• Crusty sore
• Scar-like areas of the skin
• Pink, red, or brown bump
• Flat lesion
• Mole with multiple colors
• Lesion with irregular borders
• Large or growing mole

New moles or other skin lesions that don't look normal or change in appearance should be checked out by the experts at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach. 

What increases the risk of skin cancer?

Risk factors for developing skin cancer include:

• Family history of skin cancer
• Unprotected sun exposure
• Tanning bed use
• Having fair skin
• Frequent sun exposure
• Living in a sunny climate
• Frequent sunburns
• Having blonde hair and light-colored eyes
• Actinic keratosis (precancerous skin growths)
• Immune-suppressing medications 

Protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding tanning beds are helpful ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing skin cancer at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach requires a discussion about your medical history, a review of your symptoms, and a skin evaluation. Your dermatologist looks for signs of skin cancer and asks about any skin changes you’ve noticed. They take a sample of the affected skin during a biopsy to confirm a skin cancer diagnosis. 

How is skin cancer treated?

Treating skin cancer at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach involves removing the cancerous tissues. You may be a candidate for:

• Cryotherapy
• Excisional surgery
• Curettage and electrodesiccation 
• Photodynamic therapy
• Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery consists of removing cancerous tissues, layer by layer, and examining each under a microscope to ensure that your dermatologist removes all cancer cells. 

You might also need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy to kill cancer cells that have spread to other areas. Follow up with your dermatologist or oncologist when necessary to remain cancer-free. 

Schedule a skin cancer evaluation at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach by phone or online today.