Skin cancer appears in many ways, including dark spots, discolored skin, moles, and pronounced lesions. Whether you’ve got a precancerous growth or you’ve already been diagnosed with skin cancer, the expert dermatology team at Palm Beach Dermatology Group in Delray Beach, Florida, can help. From nonsurgical laser removal to Mohs surgery lesion excisions, your dermatologist will help you become cancer free. Use your online scheduling tool or call to book an appointment anytime.
The most common kind of precancerous growth is actinic keratosis. It appears as a skin lesion topped by small scales or a crust, and is usually found on your face or hands. Actinic keratosis can look like tiny warts and can be skin-colored, red, pink, or tan. They grow gradually and are usually less than a quarter of an inch wide. These growths aren't yet cancer, but if you don't get treatment, they may become cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. The lesion usually appears as a bump that won't heal, a scaly patch of inflamed skin, a new scar, or a lingering sore. Basal cell carcinoma usually grows on the face, neck, shoulders, and other areas that get a lot of UV exposure over time. Usually, this type of cancer doesn't spread but it can grow large enough to be invasive.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common skin cancer, after basal cell carcinoma. The lesion usually appears as a wart-like growth, a red scaly patch, or a sore that doesn't heal. It's similar to basal cell carcinoma in many ways, but it can spread more rapidly and can be more dangerous if it’s left untreated.
Melanoma is an invasive and highly dangerous type of skin cancer. The lesions may appear as new or changing moles or patches of skin discoloration. Melanoma, like other types of skin cancer, develops from UV exposure. Melanoma spreads quickly and can be deadly if you don't get treatment.
Skin cancer treatment usually includes prompt removal of the mole, dark spot, or another cancerous lesion. In many cases, your Palm Beach Dermatology Group dermatologist can perform a simple in-office laser procedure to remove your cancer without surgery.
If your skin cancer is spreading or is melanoma, your dermatologist may recommend standard lesion excision or Mohs surgery. This specialized surgical technique removes cancerous tissues in microscopic amounts so you don’t lose healthy skin as well.
Book your appointment for skin cancer help at Palm Beach Dermatology Group using the online tool or by calling the office today.
