Skin Cancer

While skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer among Americans, early intervention can significantly improve your chance of successful treatment. The dermatologists and Mohs surgeon at Limmer Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, diagnose and treat all types of skin cancer, including melanoma. The team can protect your health and preserve your skin with effective treatments, such as Mohs surgery. Call the dermatology center today or request an appointment online to learn more.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells. This out-of-control growth causes tumors to develop in the skin’s tissues. With early intervention, skin cancer is treatable. At Limmer Dermatology, the team has board-certified dermatologists and a Mohs surgeon to diagnose and treat all types of skin cancer.

Are there different types of skin cancer?

The three most common types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of sun-induced skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas usually appear on sun exposed skin including the face, scalp, ears, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs. Although they usually do not metastasize, they grow locally and may extend around nerves and other structures causing extensive local tissue damage. Most of these lesions are treated with excisional surgery (cutting out the cancer). Mohs surgery is the gold standard for removal of many of these lesions. Less aggressive tumors may be treated with cryosurgery (freezing), electrosurgery, or topical medication. Dr. Byron Limmer is a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Ultraviolet light exposure is the primary risk factor for these cancers and they are generally found on sun exposed skin areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs. Squamous cell carcinomas have the potential to metastasize. Surgical excision to remove the entire cancer is the usual treatment and Mohs surgery is the gold standard for removal of many of these lesions.

Melanoma 

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Most melanomas are diagnosed as asymmetric, irregularly bordered, dark brown to black “moles.” Moles changing in size, shape, or color are especially concerning for possible melanoma. They most commonly occur on the legs of women or trunk of men, however they may occur anywhere on the body. Early detection and surgical removal are the standard of care for melanoma. The vast majority of melanomas can be treated with simple surgical excision. More invasive melanomas may benefit from removal and evaluation of a sentinel lymph node, and treatment per an oncologist. Regular skin exams done by both the patient and physician allow for early diagnosis and better prognosis.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing skin cancer requires a head-to-toe screening. The team takes a biopsy and sends it to a laboratory for testing. Depending upon your results, they will discuss appropriate treatment options.

Call Limmer Dermatology today or request an appointment online to learn more about skin cancer.

Skin Cancer 101 from ASDS Skin MD on Vimeo.