Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. In most cases it appears on skin that gets a lot of sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and arms. Basal cell carcinoma generally is a skin bump or growth that is pearly or waxy and is normally flesh colored or light pink.
Basal skin cancer grows slowly and usually does not spread to other parts of the body. But it should still be treated promptly. Treatment of basal cell skin cancer varies depending on the size, depth and location of the lesion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and accounts for approximately 25% of all skin cancers. This form of skin cancer arises in the squamous cells that make up most of the skin’s upper layers (epidermis).
It tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure including the rim of the ear, face, neck and arms. Anyone who has had a basal cell carcinoma is also more likely to develop squamous skin cancer. This skin cancer looks like a firm bump, scaly patch or an ulcer that heals and then re-opens, and is usually red in color. Squamous Cell Carcinoma may even look like a wart and sometimes appear as open sores with a raised border and a crusted surface. Squamous cell carcinomas detected at an early stage and removed promptly are usually curable and cause minimal damage.
However, left untreated, they eventually penetrate the underlying tissues and can become disfiguring. Squamous cell carcinoma also has a low risk of metastasis. Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma varies depending on the size, depth and location of the lesion: C & D, excision and MOHS surgery.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If it is caught and treated early, it is almost always curable. Seeking the help of an experienced dermatologist in Portland is always a great way to ensure you’re getting the help that you need. However, if it is not caught early on it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. Fair-skinned individuals with light hair and eye color have an increased risk of developing melanoma. Additionally, those who have a family history of the disease or have ever had skin melanoma or other skin cancer are at greater risk.
This skin cancer generally appears suddenly as a new dark spot or may be a mole that is changing. Moles that are asymmetric, irregular with multiple colors and the size of a pencil eraser may be worrisome for melanoma. In addition growths that change noticeably in size or have irregularities in shape and color could be melanomas. It is important to check your skin from head to toe regularly for lesions that have the ABCDEs of melanoma symptoms.
ABCDE of Melanoma:
A = Asymmetrical (one side is not the mirror of the other)
B = Border is irregular (not oval or circular)
C = Colors are multiple (red, brown, tan, black)
D = Diameter is larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size)
E = Evolving and changing over time for a new or an old mole.
See Mole Mapping
Skin Cancer Treatment in Portland
Curettage and Electrodessication (C & D) for Skin Cancer
The skin cancer is scraped off with a scalpel and a curette. The procedure is repeated a three times to ensure that all cancer cells are removed. C & D has almost the same cure rate as excising or cutting out the skin cancer.
Excisional Surgery for Skin Cancer
Removal of the entire skin cancer along with a surrounding border of apparently normal skin. The typical “normal skin” margin is around 5mm. The incision is closed with sutures and the growth is sent to the lab to verify that all the cancerous cells were removed. MOHS surgery is a surgical treatment that is used to treat skin cancers on the face.
Skin Cancer Prevention in Portland
Most skin cancers result from too much sun (UVA and UVB) exposure. The ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can cause premature wrinkling, brown age spots while the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays cause sunburns. Both types of radiation, UVA and UVB, are harmful and can cause skin cancer. It is essential to protect your skin from these damaging rays in order to prevent skin cancer. Not