Skin Cancer Specialist

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a group of diseases that cause your skin cells to divide and multiply uncontrollably. Skin cancer can appear anywhere, but it’s most common on parts of the body exposed to direct sunlight, like your face, arms, or legs.  

There’s no way to prevent skin cancer, but you can reduce your risk by taking steps to protect your skin from the sun. The team at Cumberland Dermatology recommends always wearing sunscreen and checking your skin regularly to look for changes.

What are the types of skin cancer?

The team at Cumberland Dermatology treats the three main types of skin cancer, including:

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma affects your basal cells. It usually occurs on the face or neck and looks like a scar or a bleeding and scabby sore that heals and recurs.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma typically occurs on the ears, cheeks, or hands. It can appear as a hard red bump or as a flat lesion with a crusty, scale-like surface.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that spreads rapidly. Often, it starts as a mole. If you have one or several moles with irregular borders and they’re red, pink, or white, make an appointment at Cumberland Dermatology right away.

Who is at risk of experiencing skin cancer?

Anyone can experience skin cancer, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Having fair skin
• A history of sunburns
• Excessive sun exposure
• Living in a sunny or high-altitude climate
• A family history of skin cancer
• A weakened immune system

You’re also more likely to experience skin cancer if you’re exposed to certain substances, like arsenic.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

The team at Cumberland Dermatology diagnoses skin cancer during an in-office visit.

At the beginning of the appointment, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they examine your skin, looking at any moles or unusual growths that might indicate cancer. 

If your provider notices an abnormal growth, they might also collect a skin biopsy. During a biopsy, your provider removes a small piece of your skin and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. Techs at the lab look at your sample under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment of skin cancer varies depending on several factors, including the size, type, and location of the cancerous lesions. After an exam, the team at Cumberland Dermatology might recommend:

• Freezing (cryosurgery)
• Excisional surgery
• Mohs surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Biological therapy

The goal is to stop cancer and prevent it from spreading.

If you’re concerned about the risk of skin cancer, make an appointment at Cumberland Dermatology by calling the nearest office or booking online today.