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Skin Cancer

Get Diagnosis and Treatment for This Common Disease

Skin is the body’s largest organ. As such, it is routinely exposed to a number of factors that can impact its health. Current data shows that as many as one in five Americans will, at some point in his or her life, experience skin cancer. Denver’s AboutSkin Dermatology team (located in the Denver Tech Center and Lone Tree areas) takes care of hundreds of skin cancer patients a year. Note that although exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a significant risk factor in the disease’s development, genetics and other variables also play a part.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are many types of skin cancer, but three are responsible for more than 99 percent of all diagnoses: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. To understand these types, it is helpful to first learn about skin cells. The outermost layer of skin is known as epidermis (literally “upon the skin”). The cells in the lowest part of this surface layer are basal cells. In the middle are squamous cells, which are eventually shed and replaced. Melanocytes are located in areas of the epidermis and produce pigment (including in response to sun exposure). Ultraviolet radiation (from sun exposure and tanning salons) can damage the epidermis, leading to skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common type of skin cancer tumors. Basal cell carcinoma tends to be slower growing but should still be treated expeditiously. Given time, basal cell carcinoma can grow into adjacent tissues, including muscles, nerves, and even bone. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the second most common type of skin cancer. Like basal cell carcinoma, SCCs are associated with sun-exposed areas of the body. But SCCs are more likely to spread, potentially to deeper tissue planes below the skin or regional areas, or even cause distant metastases.

Sometimes resembling common moles, melanomas are a more aggressive type of skin cancer that can readily spread not just to neighboring areas, but throughout the body. Every hour, one American dies from a melanoma in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Note that many people develop actinic keratoses (AKs) in sun-exposed areas. These are rough and scaly lesions that are not cancerous, but are considered to be “precancer.” Although they may heal on their own, a medical dermatology specialist can examine them to determine an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

An examination may include a biopsy (sampling of the skin) to determine whether skin cancer is present in the tested tissue. If this test confirms the presence of cancer cells, treatment will depend on the time of cancer, its location on the body, its extent of growth, the current health of the patient, and more.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective treatment for both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This specialized technique takes thin layers of tissue, which are then thoroughly examined. The process repeats until no traces of residual skin cancer are seen. Because of the nature of melanoma, different treatments are recommended for that form of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Prevention is the Best Choice

Modern dermatologists have highly sophisticated, effective treatments. Many of these treatment modalities were unavailable several years ago, making skin cancer treatment highly successful at this point. That said, prevention is the best strategy. The AboutSkin Dermatology team of Board-Certified Dermatologists advises everyone to wear a physical block barrier sunscreen when going outside, whether the skies are sunny or cloudy. Avoiding peak late-morning and early-afternoon hours can minimize exposure to harmful rays.

Men and women alike are also strongly encouraged to perform monthly routine self-checks in order to spot potential signs of skin cancer. Lesions that appear suspicious can be shown to a dermatologist for closer scrutiny. Call and schedule a “spot check” right away for concerning lesions, and schedule a full-skin check at least once a year for an overall surveillance (or more frequently if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer). In general, watch for an alphabetic list of warning signs:

A for Asymmetry

Moles that don’t have two halves that are mirror images of each other are suspicious.

B for Border Irregularity

A clearly defined edge is preferable, while a hazy or scalloped perimeter should be examined.

C for Color

Benign moles are typically uniform in color, so multicolored lesions warrant investigation.

D for Diameter

Any raised spot larger than a pencil eraser in diameter should be shown to a dermatologist, but even smaller spots that are irregular should still be seen.

E for Evolving

A mole or lesion that grows or changes in appearance over time—especially rapidly—is cause for a consultation.

FAQs

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Each type begins in different layers of the skin and may require different treatment approaches.

What signs should I look for during a skin self-exam?

Look for changes in size, shape or color of existing spots, as well as new growths. The “ABCDE” rule can help identify potential melanomas:

  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Color variation
  • Diameter larger than 6mm
  • Evolving size, shape or color

How often should I get professional skin cancer screenings?

The frequency of screenings depends on your individual risk factors. Our Board-Certified Dermatologists at AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics can help determine an appropriate screening schedule based on your medical history, family history and other risk factors. If you feel like you might be at risk, or if it has been a while since your cancer screening, then make sure to set up a consultation with our office.

The earlier you catch cancerous growths, the easier your treatment and resolution will be.

What treatments are available for skin cancer?

Treatment options may include:

  • Surgical excision
  • Mohs micrographic surgery
  • Topical medications
  • Photodynamic therapy

Our team of medical experts will recommend a treatment plan based on the type, location and stage of the skin cancer.

Can skin cancer come back after treatment?

While treatment can effectively address existing skin cancer, new skin cancers may develop in other areas. This is why ongoing skin examinations and sun protection remain important even after successful treatment.

What steps can I take to help prevent skin cancer?

Key prevention strategies include:

  • Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
  • Wearing protective clothing and hats
  • Seeking shade during peak UV hours
  • Avoiding tanning beds
  • Performing regular skin self-examinations

What role does family history play in skin cancer risk?

Having a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, may increase your risk. Share your complete family medical history with your Board-Certified Dermatologist at AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics.

What should I expect during a skin cancer screening?

During a screening, your Board-Certified Dermatologist will perform a thorough examination of your skin, looking for any suspicious spots or changes. The exam is painless and typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Pre-Exam Preparation

  • Remove makeup and nail polish
  • Tie back long hair
  • Note any concerning spots

2. Initial Discussion

  • Review medical history
  • Share family history of skin cancer
  • Discuss personal risk factors
  • Point out spots that concern you

3. Physical Examination

  • Full-body skin check from scalp to toes
  • Use of specialized magnifying devices
  • Photography of spots if needed
  • Careful examination of existing moles

4. Results Review

  • Discussion of any findings
  • Explanation of observations
  • Answers to your questions
  • Review of next steps if needed

5. Treatment Planning

  • Recommendations based on findings
  • Scheduling of any needed procedures
  • Creation of monitoring plan
  • Setting of follow-up timing

What happens if a suspicious spot is found during screening?

If a concerning area is identified, your Board-Certified Dermatologist may recommend a biopsy to determine if it is cancerous. The tissue sample will be examined under a microscope to make an accurate diagnosis.

CONTACT US for Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Even if no concerning lesions are present, it is a good idea to schedule annual visits with a dermatologist, who will examine the skin, hair, nails, and more for signs of disease.

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Greenwood Village, CO 80111

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