Types of Skin Cancer

There are three primary types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Often appears as a raised, smooth bump with a pearly texture, usually on sun-exposed areas like the head, neck, or shoulders.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Typically manifests as a red, scaly patch that may bleed or form an ulcer. SCC often appears on sun-exposed areas and can grow larger if untreated.
• Melanoma: Recognizable by dark brown or black lesions, melanoma can be life-threatening if not detected early. Signs to watch for include changes in size, shape, or color of moles, or the development of new moles in adulthood.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Several factors increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including:

• Excessive sun exposure or a history of sunburns, particularly during childhood
• Regular exposure to UV rays, including tanning beds
• A family history of skin cancer
• Fair skin, light hair, and eyes
• Chronic wounds or scars that don’t heal properly

Skin Cancer Prevention

Reducing UV exposure can significantly lower your risk of skin cancer. Some preventive steps include:

• Limiting sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours
• Avoiding tanning beds and artificial UV sources

The Importance of Regular Skin Cancer Screenings

If you have a higher risk of skin cancer, we recommend scheduling annual skin cancer screenings. Regular self-examinations and dermatologist visits can help detect skin abnormalities early when treatment is most effective.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, and location of the lesion. Options include:

• Excision: Surgically removing the lesion with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
• Mohs Surgery: This precise technique removes skin cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, making it ideal for areas like the face. Mohs surgery offers a high cure rate and is especially effective for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen to destroy them, suitable for certain small, superficial lesions.
• Radiation Therapy: Used for cases where surgery is not possible, though cure rates may be lower than surgical options.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer: The ABCDE Rule

Early detection is essential in effectively treating melanoma. Follow the ABCDE rule when checking your skin for signs of melanoma:

• A – Asymmetry: Uneven shape or pattern
• B – Borders: Irregular, blurred, or uneven edges
• C – Color: Multiple colors or unusual dark patches
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening Today

Our dermatology specialists in Miami and Hialeah are dedicated to providing the highest quality skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Call us at(305) 751-7771 (Miami) or (305) 341-7551(Hialeah) to schedule your consultation and get expert care for your skin health.