Skin cancer screening, surgery and treatment of skin cancer remain the primary focus in the office of Dr. Beverly Held.
There are basically three types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer worldwide. It is associated with aging and years of chronic sun exposure. It develops in the basal layer of the skin (deeper than the surface level). It seldom spreads to other parts of the body but can be disfiguring if not treated early. It has a tendency to infiltrate surrounding areas and destroy tissue if early treatment is not sought. Basal cell carcinoma does not usually metastasize or travel into the bloodstream.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor that arises in the outer layer of the skin (the epithelium). More than 250,000 new SCC cases are diagnosed every year in the U.S. Middle-aged and elderly persons, especially those with fair complexions and frequent sun exposure, are most likely to be affected. If treated in a timely manner, it is uncommon for skin squamous cells to spread to other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinomas often arise from smaller sandpaper-like growths called solar or actinic keratosis.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes. While it is less common than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected and treated before the cancer has spread. Melanoma can be treated successfully if it is detected early.
