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Skin cancer is the uncontrolled overgrowth of abnormal skin cells caused by unrepaired DNA damage triggering a mutation causing skin cells to multiply quickly, forming cancer cells. Skin cancers, especially when caught early, can be treatable.
What is it?
Our skin is the body’s largest organ and it has several layers. Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, which is made up of squamous cells (top layer), and can then reach down into the basal cells (under squamous cells) and melanocytes (pigment cells).
Anyone can get skin cancer, and it can occur anywhere on the body, primarily on areas of the skin that have been overexposed to ultraviolet light, such as the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps. The team at Associated Dermatology has experience treating skin cancer on all skin tones and types.
It’s important to keep an eye on any emerging or new spots or bumps on your skin that are different in shape, color, size or feel. If there are any spots or bumps on your skin that itch, bleed, crust or ooze, or you notice any unusual or suspicious marks on your skin, please give us a call and set up an appointment for further evaluation. After all, it's your skin, and you should protect it.
In addition to your annual skin check with a board-certified provider at Associated Dermatologists, you can perform regular self-exams using the ABCDE method. See a dermatologist right away if a spot or mole has:
• A - Asymmetrical shape
• B - Borders that are irregular
• C - Colors that vary from one area to another
• D - Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
• E - Evolved its size, shape, or color from a previous exam
You can limit your risk of developing skin cancer by minimizing your exposure to the sun and protecting your skin from UV rays. And while we know the sun is fun, it can also be harmful. Damage from the sun can accumulate all year round in Michigan - even in the cold of winter. Be sure to use SPF 30+ sunscreen and limit your time in those harmful rays.
How is it treated?
To determine if you have skin cancer, we will examine the affected area. If it looks like it could be cancerous, we’ll move forward with removing a sample for further testing. This process, called a skin biopsy, allows us to send your tissue to the onsite Associated Dermatologists lab. Our lab is fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists, which means it meets the highest standards for quality and accuracy.
Microscopic diagnosis in our lab will determine if your tissue is benign (normal, non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If cancerous, our expert skin cancer providers will diagnosis the specific type of cancer and prescribe a customized treatment plan. At Associated Dermatologists, we see and treat all types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), ans sebaceous cell carcinoma.
Our cancer team has specialized training and certification across skin cancer treatments including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As part of DOCS Dermatology Group, Associated Dermatologists providers also have access to cutting-edge clinical trials for cancers that are less responsive to traditional treatment.
Remember: Early detection is critical to a treatment plan.