Skin Cancer & Dermatology Experts
Skin cancer is very common, with over 1.2 million new cases diagnosed every year it is the most frequently occurring type of cancer in the United States. One out of every 5 Americans will develop a skin cancer during their lifetime.
The most common type of skin cancer is Basal Cell Carcinoma. It tends to grow slowly, does not metastasize and is rarely life threatening, but can be locally destructive and disfiguring if left to spread. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. This frequently grows more rapidly than a Basal Cell skin cancer and does have the potential to metastasize and grow aggressively if left untreated. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and accounts for only about 3% of cases but results in 75% of skin cancer deaths. It can grow rapidly and be life threatening if not detected early.
90% of non-melanoma skin cancer cases are directly related to one's exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Five sunburns or one blistering sunburn doubles your chance of getting a skin cancer. Skin cancer risk can be greatly minimized with proper sun safety.
The skin cancer that is visible to you and your physician may be the "tip of the iceberg". Many cancer cells form roots that invade well beyond the boundaries of the visible cancer. If these roots are not completely removed, the cancer will continue to spread. There are several treatment options available including Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced surgical technique.
