Understanding Skin Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

If you have concerns about skin cancer in Tulsa, Muskogee, or Broken Arrow, OK check out our most recent blog discussing the most common types of skin cancer. 

Common Types of Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually shows up on an area of the body that has been exposed to the sun. Most often they look like a reddish brown or white fleshy bump on the skin. It can grow large enough to cause a scar, but most often it does not spread beyond the original location.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is not as common as Basal cell carcinoma, but it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, which makes it very important that it is discovered early.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and it can lead to death. It can spread to other parts of the body, which is where it gets dangerous. It typically starts on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The most common symptom of skin cancer in Tulsa, Muskogee, Broken Arrow, OK is a change in your skin or in a mole that you have. If you notice rough spots, are bleeding, have changed color, are asymmetrical, or are growing larger, these are all warning signs that should set off warning bells. The next step in the diagnosis is typically to have a biopsy performed. Based on the results, your provider will likely make further treatment recommendations. 

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Everyone is at risk of skin cancer. While people with very light skin are more prone to sunburn and sun damage, people of any nationality and skin color are at risk of developing skin cancer. If you have previously had skin cancer, your risk level rises. If other members of your family have developed skin cancer, your risk level is higher.

Contact Dr. Alison Fischer and Dr. Robert Fischer of Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery with skin cancer concerns in Tulsa, Muskogee, Broken Arrow, OK. To make an appointment, call one of our offices at Tulsa (918) 760-0700, Muskogee (918) 840-5276, and Broken Arrow (918) 770-4599.