skin cancer under a magnifying glass

This may not be the exact look of your condition. Please confirm your diagnosis with your dermatologist.

What is it?

The three most common forms of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection is a key factor in its treatment and provides the best chance for the best outcomes. It is important to have a full body examination on a regular basis.

People of all ages, backgrounds and skin types are at risk for skin cancer.

Symptoms?

Basal cell carcinoma – Usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the face, neck and body. Basal cell carcinoma appear as a waxy, whitish or pink bump, or a flat lesion that may be pink, brown or flesh-toned. Often patients give a history of a "pimple" or "rash" that would not heal completely or cycled between healing and reappearing. Some basal cell carcinoma can bleed easily with minimal trauma. Others give no signs at all.

Squamous cell carcinoma – Also occurs most often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and body. Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a solid, red bump or a flat lesion that has a scaly or crusty feel. Often, these scaly patches or bumps are rough in texture. They may bleed or crust.

Melanoma – Can appear anywhere on the body, in normal skin or in a mole that then becomes cancerous. Melanoma can have many presentations, so any new or changing spot on the skin should be evaluated by a dermatology provider. Moles that change color may be melanomas.

Could this be what you have?

Skin cancer can occur in anyone, anywhere, but is more likely to occur in people whose work or lifestyle exposes them to direct sunlight on a regular basis, or whose childhood or youth was filled with sun exposure. Though skin cancer occurs less often in people with darker complexions than in those with fair complexions, dark-skinned people are at higher risk for cancer in areas of the body not normally exposed to the sun,  and it is vitally important to be checked regularly by a dermatology provider.

Treatment Options @ Pinnacle

Depending on the type, location and size of the tumor/skin cancer, options for treatment may include, but are not limited to:

Mohs micrographic surgery
Excisional surgery
Cryotherapy (freezing)
Currettage and Electrodessication
Chemotherapy
Radiation

Early detection of skin cancer offers the best chance for a successful outcome. See your dermatology provider regularly and protect your skin from the sun.