Skin Cancers

Skin Cancers – Basal Cell & Squamous Cell Carcinomas / Malignant Melanoma

Nearly 5 million people in the United States are treated for skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Although the statistics may be alarming, skin cancer can be found early. The first signs of skin cancer may include a slowly growing bump, a changing mole, or a dry and scaly rough patch. Fortunately, early treatment of skin cancer can usually cure it. Therefore, it is critical to know your skin. The team at Alta Vista Dermatology in Highlands Ranch, CO believes in patient education and is happy to explain the symptoms and types of skin cancer as well as treatments available.

A spot or lump that is changing, growing, or bleeding may be a sign of skin cancer. The most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma – This usually develops on the skin that is exposed to the sun the most, including the head, neck, and the back of the hands. It is common on the face, especially on the nose. Some people have this form of skin cancer on their arms and legs. People who bask in tanning beds are at a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. Early treatment is critical because basal cell carcinoma can grow wider and deeper, eventually destroying bone and skin tissue. Signs of basal cell carcinoma include red and scaly patches or areas of scar tissue that crust over, bleed, or have thickened, on the head, face, neck, hands, arms, and upper back.

Squamous cell carcinoma – This is most common on the face, ears, lips, scalp, upper back, lower legs, and hands. Signs include scaly, red, and flat patches or bumps; however, they are rarely painful. Women frequently have squamous cell carcinoma on their lower legs. This skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body including inside the mouth, on the lips, and on the genitals.

Melanoma – This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and it can develop anywhere on the body such as the back, abdomen, chest, and lower legs. Warning signs include a mole that changes in color or size or bleeds, or a dark spot appearing next to an existing mole. Melanomas often look like moles and some develop from moles. They are often black or brown, but can be pink, red, blue, purple, or white. According to the American Cancer Society, about 9,400 people in the United States die from melanoma annually. It is critical to identify melanoma early, before it spreads to lymph nodes or other organs. The overall 5-year survival rate for patients in the United States whose melanoma is detected before the tumor has spread to these areas of the body is about 98 percent.

At Alta Vista Dermatology, we offer full body skin examinations. It only takes about 10 minutes to examine the body from head to toe, and it can be lifesaving. To schedule an examination, call 303.888.6426 today.