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The warning signs of a basal cell carcinoma
are: |
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- a persistent,
non-healing sore
- a reddish patch
- a pink growth
with a slightly
- elevated rolled
border
- a shiny bump
that is pearly in appearance
- a scar-like area
with poorly defined borders
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| Although this skin cancer rarely
spreads to other organs of the body, it can cause local destruction
of surrounding tissue. |
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| Treatment options: |
- Surgical excision
- Electrosurgery
- Cryosurgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Mohs Micrographic
Surgery
|
- Laser Surgery
- Intralesional
Therapy
- Electrochemotherapy
- Photodynamic
Therapy
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| Squamous
Cell Carcinoma is the
second most common skin cancer, affecting more than 100,000
Americans each year. In addition to chronic sun exposure, other
factors may contribute to the development of this cancer, including
burns, scars, exposure to radiation or chemicals, chronic inflammatory
conditions and immunosuppression. |
 |
| Signs which may indicate
the presence of this skin cancer include: |
- scaly red patches,
which are tender
- elevated growth
with central depression
- wart-like growths
- nodules
- open sores
|
 |
If untreated, squamous cell carcinoma
may penetrate and destroy underlying tissues. In a small percentage
of cases, this tumor spreads to local lymph nodes or distant
organs and may be fatal. |
| Treatment options: |
- Surgical excision
- Electrosurgery
- Cryosurgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Mohs Micrographic
Surgery
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| |
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Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly developing
lesion that is considered by the majority of Dermatologists
to be a type of squamous cell carcinoma.
The appearance is: |
 |
- nodular, dome-shaped
often with a central keratotic plug
- firm, but not
hard
- usually an isolated
single lesion
|
| Treatment options: |
|
 |
- Surgical excision
- Cryotherapy
- Electrosurgery
- Laser therapy
- Intralesional
injection of chemotherapy agent
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Malignant
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can affect
anyone at any age and can
occur on any area of the body. A family history of melanoma
is significant and family members of those having this history
should have regular full body examinations by a dermatologist.
Melanoma originates from the cells that produce the dark protective
|
 |
pigment
called melanin. Individual lesions may appear as a dark brown,
black, or multicolored growth with irregular borders which
can become crusted and bleed. Some may be pink in fair skinned
individuals. Since melanoma may spread to other organs, and
can be fatal, it is essential to treat this skin cancer early.
Early diagnosis and treatment is curative in the majority
of cases.
Recognize the early warning signs of malignant melanoma by
learning the following ABCD's of Melanoma:
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 |
A stands for ASYMMETRY, when one
half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
B stands for BORDER, when the border or edges of the mole
are ragged, blurred or irregular.
C stands for COLOR, when the color of the mole is not the
same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black,
red, white, or blue.
D stands for DIAMETER, when the diameter of a mole is larger
than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
E stands for EVOLVING, when the diameter of the mole is getting larger
over time.
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| Treatment options: |
|
- Surgical Excision
- Moh's Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
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| Surgical
Services
After the physician's examination and the diagnosis
of a skin cancer is made, a biopsy is performed to
confirm the clinical impression. Several effective
methods are available to treat skin cancers. The physician's
choice of therapy depends on the size, location, and
type of skin cancer, Additionally, the aggressiveness
of the tumor may be determined by the skin biopsy.
The patient's age and general health are also taken
into consideration.
Some of the treatment options are:
- Surgical
excision
- Electrosurgery
- Cryosurgery
- Mohs'
Surgery
- Chemotherapy
and radiation
- Phototherapy
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