Skin Cancer

 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the USA.

There are various types of cancer, some with very subtle presentations.

New growths and bumps, changing moles, and even persistent patches of dry skin should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.

At Virginia Square Dermatology, we have a special passion for the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

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What are different types of skin cancer?

The three most common types of skin cancer are:


1. Basal Cell Carcinoma - can present as a pearly, shiny papule, crusty or bleeding area, or even as a patch of dry skin


2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma - can present as a thickened papule, wart, or scaly area


3. Melanoma - can present as new or changing mole. Melanoma lesions tend to exhibit certain characteristics:

  • Asymmetry

  • Border: fuzzy, scalloped borders

  • Color: multiple tones and colors

  • Diameter: tend to be larger than the size of a pencil eraser

  • Evolving: the lesion is growing sideways or growing higher, changing colors and shape


Other forms of skin cancer can happen, such as merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, dermatofibromasarcoma protuberans, and others. 

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancer forms when mutations in the DNA of a cell cause it to grow out of proportion to other cells, leading to the formation of a tumor and potentially invasion of normal tissues. Some patients have genetic factors that predispose them to skin cancer. Other factors include:

  • Fair skin, blonde or red hair, light eyes 

  • Long term exposure to UV light, such an tanning frequently

  • Blistering sunburns

  • A high number of moles or atypical looking moles

  • Pre-canceous lesions, like actinic keratoses

  • Family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma

  • A weakened immune system, either due to certain conditions or medications

  • Exposure to radiation

  • Exposure to certain chemicals, like arsenic


How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Any new, changing, non-healing lesion should be assessed by a board-certified dermatologist. Sometimes, a pre-cancer (actinic keratosis) can be diagnosed just by its appearance. However, most suspicious lesions will need to be tested through either a shave or punch biopsy (link). After a biopsy, we will be able to determine the type of skin cancer. Depending on the type of skin cancer, further tests like blood tests, CT scan, or MRI may need to be done to determine the grade and stage of a cancer. Most skin cancers do not require further testing. 

How is skin cancer treated?

The treatment of your skin cancer will be tailored to the type and location of the tumor. Treatments include:

  • Liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy): usually performed to pre-cancerous lesions

  • Topical 5-fluorouracil

  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

  • Intralesional methotrexate

  • Excision (most common)

  • Mohs surgery 

Dr. Isabela Jones is an Ivy-league educated, board-certified dermatologist who trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She has a passion for the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with her.