Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of abnormal skin cells. The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV rays like sunlight and the light in tanning beds. Even though any kind of cancer is a serious diagnosis, skin cancer is highly treatable if you catch it early in its development. 

There are several types of skin cancer that range in seriousness. The most common types are:

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, originates in the bottom part of your uppermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. The cancerous lesions can have many different appearances, but they typically look like small open sores or shiny pink bumps. 

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer that starts at the top of the epidermis. It can appear as open sores or thick skin that looks like a wart. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is a skin cancer affecting the cells that give your skin pigment, or melanin. It can start in a mole that you already have or appear as a new spot on your skin. 

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer. It appears as a solid, painless nodule in your skin arising from the base of your epidermis. 

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

If you notice any unusual spots or lesions on your body or a mole that seems to be changing in size, shape, or color, you should let Dr. Keehan know. He views the spot and decides whether it’s suspicious enough to warrant further testing.

If a mole or lesion seems abnormal, Dr. Keehan might perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, he removes a section of the suspicious skin to test it in a lab. Lab testing can show whether you have skin cancer in the area and which type you have. 

Depending on the type of skin cancer you have, Dr. Keehan may need to perform other tests to find out which stage the cancer is in. If the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or other areas of your body, that means it’s in a later stage and requires more aggressive treatment. 

What are my treatment options for skin cancer?

At Keehan Dermatology, Dr. Keehan uses various methods to remove the cancerous cells from your skin. After evaluating your skin cancer, he might recommend:

• Excision
• Curettage and electrodessication
• Mohs surgery (not performed in-office)
• Radiation
• Oral medications for advanced basal cell carcinomas
  
  

If cancerous cells have spread to other parts of your body, your treatment might involve chemotherapy or radiation therapy instead of a minor surgery.

For more information about available treatments for skin cancer, call Keehan Dermatology or book an appointment online today.