Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This type of radiation can come from both natural sources like sunlight and artificial sources such as tanning beds. The most common type of skin cancer is melanoma, which accounts for about 3% of all skin cancers but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Other major forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer pages:
Skin Cancer in Tulsa, Muskogee, & Broken Arrow, OK
Did you know skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? It is also one of the easiest cancers to treat, but it needs to be identified early. Our board-certified dermatologists at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery can help.
Different Types of Skin Cancer
There are several types of skin cancer, and they vary in severity, depending on which layers of skin are involved, and the type of skin cancer cells present. The three most common types of skin cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma affects the upper layers of the skin, where squamous cells are located
- Basal cell carcinoma affects the deeper layers of skin, where basal cells are located
- Melanoma, which can be deadly and is the most aggressive form of skin cancer
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
You are at greater risk of developing skin cancer if you:
- Have fair skin and freckles
- Have light eyes and hair
- Sunburn easily
- Spend a lot of time out in the sun
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Some of the most common signs of skin cancer occur in moles. You should look for moles that are:
- Large, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
- Irregularly shaped, with uneven borders
- Itching, oozing, or bleeding
- Growing back after the previous removal
Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer
Our dermatologist can diagnose skin cancer by taking a small tissue sample and checking for cancerous cells. The process is known as a biopsy. Depending on the type and degree of skin cancer, our dermatologist may recommend these treatments:
- Cryosurgery – freezing cancerous cells
- Curettage and desiccation – scraping and applying electric current to kill cancerous cells
- Mohs micrographic surgery – removing cancerous tissue layer-by-layer and examining each layer under a microscope
- Radiation therapy – to kill cancerous cells
- Surgical excision – to cut out the cancerous cells
- Chemotherapy – to treat malignant melanoma
Prevention of Skin Cancer
You can do a lot to prevent skin cancer by wearing sunscreen when you are outside. You should:
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you are outside for an extended time
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 if you have fair skin and sunburn easily
- Try to avoid being out in the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV rays are the most damaging
- Do a self-check of your skin regularly looking for abnormal moles and other suspicious areas