You have skin cancer.
Hearing these four words can be overwhelming and scary. The skin care experts at The Derm are here to guide you through your skin cancer journey and provide you with the high-quality care and compassion you deserve.
It’s important to know that you are not alone. According to the American Association of Dermatology, one of every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime – and approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every single day.
You can count on The Derm to do everything possible to answer your questions, explain your treatment options, and help put you at ease after a skin cancer diagnosis.
Let’s start with some skin cancer facts
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the country. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of their skin color. Sun exposure and indoor tanning are the leading causes of skin cancer.
Early detection is key to surviving skin cancer, and that’s why annual skin exams are so crucial. They are the most effective tool we have for detecting potential cancerous growths as early as possible.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common forms of skin cancer, and both are highly treatable if detected early and treated correctly.
Basal cell carcinoma typically appears as a raised pink or red spot that doesn’t heal, bleeds easily, or oozes and crusts over.
Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears as a raised lesion or a fast-growing open sore that doesn’t heal. Without treatment, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of your body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Yet, in the early stages, it too can be successfully removed and monitored by regular skin cancer screenings.
The early signs of melanoma include:
- A mole that grows or changes its appearance
- A mole that is unusual-looking
- A mole that has an irregular shape, uneven border, or different colors
Melanoma does not usually cause other symptoms initially, although some people experience itching, bleeding, or pain. Be sure to have any mole that changes in size, shape, border, or color checked right away – even without any other symptoms.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
Every skin cancer diagnosis begins with an in-person exam. Annual skin exams are recommended for most people, although you may need more frequent exams if you are at high risk for skin cancer.
Your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin for abnormal moles, lesions, and other growths. We look everywhere from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, including your scalp, ears, face, neck, arms, chest, legs, and even the skin between your fingers and toes. All visible spots are closely checked for texture, color, border, and size.
The next step is to have any concerning growths biopsied, a simple procedure that takes place immediately after your exam. The dermatologist applies a topical anesthetic to numb the area and removes a small amount of tissue from the growth. The tissue is then sent to a laboratory for closer examination. Your biopsy results should come back within 7-10 days.
Questions to ask your dermatologist after diagnosis
It’s important to communicate openly and honestly with us throughout your skin cancer diagnosis and treatment – The Derm is here to help you through this experience. Please feel free to bring a list of questions to the office with you.
Here are some top questions to ask:
What type of skin cancer do I have?
Whether you have basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or another type of skin cancer, your dermatologist can explain what your diagnosis means and develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs.
What stage is my skin cancer?
Skin cancer is classified by stages – I, II, III, and IV – to rank its size and how far it has spread. The higher the number, the more the skin cancer has spread in your body.
Can a blood test tell if my cancer has spread?
If you have melanoma, we may test your blood for a substance called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before or during skin cancer treatment. A high LDH level is often a sign that your cancer has spread and may be more difficult to treat, which can affect its stage.
How are we going to treat my skin cancer?
Your personalized treatment plan will depend on what type of skin cancer you have and how much it has spread.
Medicated creams can often treat early basal cell carcinoma, but you may need a minor surgical procedure or Mohs surgery for more aggressive lesions. Treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma include excision, Mohs surgery, and radiation.
Treating melanoma may involve excision, surgery (including Mohs surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and other options), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and more.
The Derm has the answers you need
No one wants to receive a skin cancer diagnosis. But if it happens, the skin care experts at the Derm are ready to answer your questions and provide you with the best possible treatment options.
To learn more, schedule an appointment today.
