Basal Cell Carcinoma  
                             
         Most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma

Fortunately, it's also the least dangerous kind--it tends to grow slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its original site. Though basal cell carcinoma is seldom life-threatening, if left untreated it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage (particularly if it's located near the eye).

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the next most common kind of skin cancer, frequently appearing on the lips, face, or ears. It sometimes spreads to distant sites, including lymph nodes and internal organs. Squamous cell carcinoma can become life threatening if it's not treated.
                                  Squamous cell carcinoma 
                                 

 Malignant Melanoma, is the least common, but its incidence is increasing rapidly, especially in the sunbelt states. Malignant melanoma is also the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be completely cured. If it's not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread throughout the body and is often deadly.
                                          
                                   Malignant Melanoma   
           Our melanoma expert works together with a team of physicians to give you the best possible outcome and quality of care we can. We  have seen many patients with melanoma over the years, giving us a level of experience in treating the disease that’s hard to match. We understand that melanoma treatment is challenging to both patients and their loved ones. 

Although melanoma is relatively uncommon, it is the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 74,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with melanoma, you probably have many questions regarding the treatment process. We know you are scared, and we can help.

Patients who have early stage melanoma may be cured with surgery alone, while patients with a more advanced disease will often need additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Since many of our patients require different services at the beginning and during the course of melanoma treatment, we can offer a comprehensive and effective approach to the diagnosis, treatment and management of this disease..

                                  
          
                                

                      Other Skin Growths You Should Know About

Two other common types of skin growths are moles and keratoses.

Moles are clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells, either flat or raised above the skin surface. While most pose no danger, some-particularly large moles present at birth, or those with mottled colors and poorly defined borders-may develop into malignant melanoma. Moles are frequently removed for cosmetic reasons, or because they're constantly irritated by clothing or jewelry (which can sometimes cause pre-cancerous changes).

                     Solar or Actinic Keratoses (Pre-Cancer)
                       
Actinic Keratosis are rough, red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are usually found on areas exposed to the sun, and sometimes develop into squamous cell cancer. Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch or bump on the skin. It’s also known as a solar keratosis. Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have them. 

Since these pre skin cancers (actinic keratoses) can turn into squamous cell skin cancer the lesions are often called precancer or pre-skin cancer. They are not life-threatening if they are found and treated early. The best treatment is cryosurgery (freezing).

Recognizing Skin Cancer

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can vary widely in appearance. The cancer may begin as small, white or pink nodule or bumps; it can be smooth and shiny, waxy, or pitted on the surface. Or it might appear as a red spot that's rough, dry, or scaly...a firm, red lump that may form a crust...a crusted group of nodules...a sore that bleeds or doesn't heal after two to four weeks...or a white patch that looks like scar tissue.

Malignant melanoma is usually signaled by a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin. Watch for the "ABCD" warning signs of melanoma: Asymmetry-a growth with unmatched halves; Border irregularity-ragged or blurred edges; Color-a mottled appearance, with shades of tan, brown, and black, sometimes mixed with red, white, or blue; and Diameter- a growth more than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), or any unusual increase in size.

If all these variables sound confusing, the most important thing to remember is this: Get to know your skin and examine it regularly, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. (Don't forget your back.) If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your body, have a doctor check it out.

While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous.