Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but most cases are easily treated if detected early. At Integrated Dermatology of East Boca in Boca Raton, Florida, double board-certified dermatologist Alecia Folkes DO, FAAD, FAOCD, provides diagnosis and treatment, including Mohs surgery, for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Call today to schedule your professional skin cancer screening or to have a suspicious lesion examined. Alternatively, use this website to book your visit online.

What are the types of skin cancer?

Skin cancer is often first detected as actinic keratosis – scaly or crusty growths caused by damage from UV rays. Actinic keratosis can turn into cancer if not treated. 

When you have a cancerous lesion, it may be diagnosed as one of three main forms:

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, develops in sun-exposed parts of the body, such as your arms, face, and neck. Basal cell carcinoma lesions look like flesh-colored or brown scars, scabbed or bleeding sores, pearly lesions, or waxy bumps.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, shows up as a firm, red nodule or a scaly, crusted lesion. It most often appears on the face, hands, ears, or other sun-exposed areas of the body.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that looks like an irregular mole. If you have a mole that changes size, bleeds, or has an irregular border, it could be a sign of melanoma. Melanoma may be red, pink, bluish, white, or black. Regular professional skin checks help detect melanoma early before it can spread. 

What increases my risk of developing skin cancer?

Skin cancer can happen to anyone, but the following increase your risk:

• Excessive sun exposure or repetitive tanning
• Fair skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes
• Multiple moles
• Living in a sunny climate
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer

Dr. Folkes recommends you wear sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure, and that you always wear protective clothing when in the sun. The UV light from tanning beds also causes abnormal cell growth that can lead to skin cancer. 

How do you treat skin cancer?

If you have a suspicious lesion, Dr. Folkes takes a sample of the skin and sends it to a lab. Treatment for skin cancer depends on the location and type. Your treatment may include: 

• Excision
• Freezing, also called cryotherapy
• Curettage and electrodesiccation

Dr. Folkes may also perform Mohs surgery, the gold standard treatment for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, she removes a small sample of cells from the affected area and examines them under a microscope. She continues the process until all traces of cancer are fully removed. 

Call or use the website for Integrated Dermatology of East Boca to schedule your skin cancer appointment online.