What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells caused by DNA mutations that prompt rapid growth and a mass of cancer cells. People of all skin tones and all ages can develop skin cancer, and it can show up on different body parts.
What are the different types of skin cancer?
There are different types of skin cancer. The area where your skin cancer starts determines the type and the right treatment options.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma usually shows up as a flat lesion with a scaly surface or a red, firm nodule on the areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, but it rarely spreads and grows slowly. It also typically appears on sun-exposed areas of your skin, like your neck and face. It appears as a waxy bump or a flesh-colored flat lesion.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer that can happen anywhere on your body either on normal skin or in a mole that becomes cancerous over time. Melanoma often shows up on the trunk, face, or lower legs as a mole that changes in color and size and bleeds or a large spot that’s brown in color with darker speckles.
Melanoma can show up in a small lesion with an unusual-looking outline and different color patterns, such as blue, bluish black, red, or white.
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
There are a variety of risk factors for skin cancer, such as:
- Moles
- Having fair skin
- Excessive sun exposure
- Certain toxic substances
- A weakened immune system
- Excess exposure to UV radiation
- Having a family history of skin cancer
Why should I get an annual skin cancer screening?
An annual skin cancer screening allows your Elite doctor to check for any suspicious or abnormal moles or bleeding lesions in a visual inspection and physical examination. Full-body or partial screenings are available depending on your individual needs.
A skin cancer screening is an integral part of your overall preventive care. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, more frequent skin cancer screenings are recommended.
A biopsy can be used to determine the specific subtype of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be treated with:
- Radiation
- Cryotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Surgical excision
- Referral for lymph node removal
- Other medications and prescription topical creams
If you’re due for your screening, call or conveniently schedule online.
Elite Dermatology has 4 convenient locations in Texas. We happily treat patients in Houston, Fulshear,
Kingwood, Vintage Park, and the Heights.
