Skin Cancer

One of the most important parts of your healthcare routine is to check your skin on a regular basis. At Alta Vista Dermatology, we offer comprehensive care that includes annual skin cancer screenings for adults of all ages. Skin cancer continues to be a growing concern, affecting as many as one in five people and involving a greater number of young people than ever before.

Your Highlands Ranch dermatologist provides accurate diagnosis and treatment for the various types of skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

This common form of skin cancer is related to sun exposure, often developing on areas such as the shoulders, ears, face, hands, arms, chest, neck, and the legs and feet. The basal cell carcinoma may look like a small pimple or shiny bump. Typically, there is no pain, bleeding, or other symptoms involved. Basal cell carcinomas tend to be slow growing. We may recommend removal if a growth becomes larger or is in a location in which appearance is affected. If not treated, the advancing basal cell carcinoma lesion could cause tissue destruction.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Like basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell lesions are also typically the result of sun exposure. These growths are commonly seen on areas including the hands, feet, legs, arms, neck, lip, ears, face, and scalp. Squamous cell carcinomas may look like patches of pink crusted or scaly skin that do not fade over time. Advanced lesions may look like a sore that will not heal or like a large bump on the skin. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is important because this type of skin cancer may become aggressive and could become a life threatening condition.

Melanoma

The most dangerous of the three most common types of skin cancer, melanoma may develop on areas of the body that are routinely exposed to the sun as well as those that are not. One of the concerns with melanoma is the chance that cancer will metastasize to another area, such as the lungs or the brain. This type of skin cancer forms from melanocytes, which are the cells that give skin its pigment.

Routine skin cancer examination is recommended for all adults, especially those with a family history of any type of skin cancer. With early detection, your dermatologist can design the most appropriate treatment plan to remove cancerous lesions and protect your long-term health.

Call Alta Vista Dermatology. We give your skin the personal attention it needs.