Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  The incidence is rising every year.  Most skin cancers occur on sun exposed skin thus the face and neck are the most common sites.  The most common cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun.  With the increase in use of tanning beds, this too will become a source of skin cancer.  Most skin cancer is the result of years of exposure to sun and not your current exposure.

There are three major categories of skin cancer.  The most common is Basal Cell Carcinoma.  Basal cell can present in a variety of ways.  It often begins as a small pearly nodule but can also look like a pale scar that occurs spontaneously.  These are cured by removing them as they rarely spread.  If left untreated, they can continue to grow and become quite sizable yet painless.  Squamous Cell Carcinoma is next most common skin cancer.  It often presents as a red nodule or red flat spot on the skin.  Although rare, Squamous Cell Cancer can spread to the lymph nodes—especially if it is on the lip or ear.  In those situations it can become life threatening.  Malignant Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer.  If treated early, it can be cured.  If melanoma spreads in the body, it can be life threatening.  Melanoma is cancer of pigment cells and so it can present as a mole that is changing in color, size, shape or itching or bleeding.  Any changing mole should be reported to your doctor.  Fortunately the vast majority of changing moles are not cancer but you must show any changes to your physician.

Treatment for most skin cancers is curative.  Often a dermatologist will treat these spots.  Occasionally, they will be referred to Dr. Topol by your doctor.  In our practice, skin cancers are removed surgically.  Other options involve radiation or various topical treatments which are done elsewhere.  If this is an option for you, Dr. Topol will review this with you.  Most surgeries are relatively simple excisions but if the tumor is large, reconstruction with some type of skin flap or skin graft may be necessary.  Dr. Topol will review this with you.

If you have a question or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Topol, please give our office a call or send us an e-mail.