Our cancer experts offer prompt diagnosis of all skin cancers. We treat:
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is not skin cancer. But these changes to skin cells can become cancer if left untreated.
These growths or patches usually occur on sun-exposed areas. Symptoms of actinic keratosis include:
- Dry or scaly skin patches
- Growth or patches that are pink, red, tan or white (or a combination of colors)
- Raised or rough growths
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma occurs when round cells in the skin's epidermis begin to grow in ways that aren't typical. This cancer type is the most common and is highly treatable when diagnosed early.
Basal cell carcinoma symptoms include:
- Raised or shiny areas
- Red patches
- Sores
- Scaly or crusty patches
Melanoma
Melanoma is cancer that develops in the cells that create pigment that gives skin its color (melanocytes). While less common than other skin cancers, melanoma can spread to the body's other organs.
If you have a lot of moles, it's important to check them for changes. Moles put you at higher risk for developing melanoma. Other risk factors include:
- Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
- Having light skin
- Lots of sun or tanning bed exposure over time
Melanoma symptoms can be challenging to spot. The most important thing you can do is pay attention to any moles or other changes in your skin. Look for:
- Bleeding
- Border or color changes in moles or other spots
- Itchy or crusty spots
- Moles that are oddly shaped or have halves that don't match
Because melanoma can spread, it's important to keep an eye out for changes. When melanoma spreads to other parts of the body, it's called metastatic melanoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs when the outermost flat cells in the epidermis grow in ways they shouldn't. It is the second most common skin cancer and is treatable when caught early.
Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include:
- Bleeding
- Itchy areas
- Red or scaly patches
- Sores
- Wart-like growths
Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include a history of sunburns and prolonged sun or tanning bed exposure. Family history of skin cancer and having light skin also increase your risk.