What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the skin's cells. It occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably due to damage to their DNA, often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
Common Types of Skin Cancer We Treat
Whatever your circumstances, you find the spirit and strength to power through. But sometimes you need a little extra help. That’s why our nationally renowned skin cancer specialists work tirelessly to detect and prevent skin cancer, formulating personalized treatment plans to help you feel whole. Across our AdventHealth network, we have specialists trained in treating a variety of cancers.
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Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition characterized by rough, scaly patches or spots that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin. These patches are often considered precancerous, meaning they can potentially develop into skin cancer if not treated.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually develops in areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure.
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Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious but highly treatable type of skin cancer when caught early.
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Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that grows and spreads quickly.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer.
Listening to Your Needs, Leading the Way
We’re here to support you at every step. Your team of world-class oncologists and compassionate support staff will be with you, striving to give you the physical, emotional and spiritual support you need to take on your skin cancer diagnosis. Our method of whole-person care and multidisciplinary approach to skin cancer treatment means you’ll be able to put your focus where it matters most: on thriving again and living your life to its fullest.
- Accurate and Early Skin Cancer Diagnosis
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You’ve likely heard the phrase “knowledge is power,” which is even more true regarding your health. Through experience and by staying ahead of breakthrough cancer research and innovative therapies, our teams are continually building our knowledge of what causes skin cancer and how to treat it.
Early skin cancer detection ensures you have the best chance for a full recovery. That’s why our imaging experts aim for same-day test results. We rely on comprehensive skin cancer screenings, including minimally invasive tissue biopsies, to help you get the fastest diagnosis and the most advanced care. Once we know what’s happening with your body, we can provide the whole-person health care you deserve to begin your healing journey.
- Leading-Edge Skin Cancer Treatments
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By focusing on all three tiers of skin cancer treatment — surgery, radiation and chemotherapy — we can help set you up for recovery and healing. As you push forward, your specialized oncology team will provide leading-edge procedures, treatments and therapies to help you feel whole. These may include:
- Cryosurgery: This treatment uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissues, including cancer cells. In the case of skin cancer, it's often used for smaller, superficial cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis (precancerous lesions).
- Electrosurgery: This medical procedure uses electrical currents to cut tissue or destroy abnormal cells, like skin cancer cells. It’s commonly used to treat superficial skin cancers, such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous lesions, like actinic keratosis.
- Excisional surgery: This is a procedure where a doctor surgically removes a tumor or abnormal tissue, along with a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it, to eliminate all cancerous cells. It's a common treatment for many types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
- Laser surgery: This procedure uses focused beams of intense light (lasers) to treat or remove abnormal tissue, including certain types of skin cancer and precancerous lesions. Lasers can precisely target and destroy cancer cells, making this method minimally invasive and useful for treating surface-level skin cancers.
- Mohs micrographic surgery: This is a specialized surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, particularly basal and squamous cell carcinoma. It’s known for its effectiveness in removing cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This treatment uses a special type of light and a photosensitizing agent to target and destroy abnormal cells, including certain types of skin cancer. It’s often used for superficial skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis.
- Topical medications: These are creams, gels or ointments applied directly to the skin to treat certain types of skin cancer and precancerous conditions. These treatments are typically used for superficial cancers, like basal and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as for actinic keratosis.
No matter which kind of treatment you need, our dedicated oncologists will walk with you every step of the way, keeping you informed about your progress. We’ll strive for full healing, recovery and whole health together.
Cancer Care You Can Count On
We know how overwhelming it can feel to face a cancer diagnosis. But you can rest assured that you’re not in this alone. We’ll give you the support you need at each step of your treatment, tending to your body, easing your mind and lifting your spirit.
Our Best, Given for You
At AdventHealth, we’re dedicated to giving you our best so you can feel whole in body, mind and spirit. Learn more about other AdventHealth cancer care we offer.
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Cancer Pain Support
You’re facing your cancer journey with confidence, strength and determination. But sometimes, neck, leg, back and joint pain caused by cancer can challenge your positivity. We’re here to relieve your pain and restore your strength.
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Dermatology Care
We want you to feel comfortable in your skin. That’s why our dermatologists at AdventHealth offer comprehensive skincare for people of all ages. Our expert dermatology team will create a customized care plan that works for you.
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Lab Services
We know when it comes to your lab test results, you don’t want to wait. That’s why we provide onsite lab services by a team of highly specialized pathologists and technicians to promptly deliver comprehensive lab results.
Answering Your Skin Cancer FAQs
We know when it comes to cancer, you may have a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions for your convenience and peace of mind.
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Q:Question: What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
A:Answer:Skin cancer can show up in different ways based on the type, but there are some warning signs to watch for. Noticing changes in your skin, especially in moles, spots or areas that don’t seem to heal, is vital. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- A shiny bump or a pinkish patch, often with tiny blood vessels you can see
- A spot that looks like a scar but isn’t related to any injury
- Sores that come and go but never fully heal
- Raised areas with a slightly pearly surface
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- A firm, red bump
- A rough, scaly patch that might bleed or become sore
- Flat spots with a dry or scaly surface
- An area that looks like a wound that just won’t heal
Melanoma
- A new mole or a change in an existing one
- Moles with irregular shapes or uneven colors
- A large brown spot with darker areas in it
- A sore that itches, bleeds or just feels different
- Dark spots on your palms, soles or under your nails
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- A red or purple bump that shows up quickly and grows fast
- Red or purple bumps that appear on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, neck or arms
- Red or purple bumps that are painless but grow faster than most other spots
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you notice anything that feels off — a new mole, a sore that doesn’t heal or something changing on your skin — it’s a good idea to get it checked out with a dermatologist. Most skin cancers, when caught early, are highly treatable, so catching them sooner rather than later is the best thing you can do. It’s always OK to ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
Learn more on our blog about unexpected skin cancer spots to check.
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Q:Question: What is the most common type of skin cancer?
A:Answer:The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both of these cancers are often linked to sun exposure and are classified as nonmelanoma skin cancers, meaning they are generally less aggressive than melanoma, which is the more dangerous type of skin cancer.
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Q:Question: What happens in skin cancer screenings?
A:Answer:If you're going for a skin cancer screening, here's what you can expect:
Talking With Your Doctor
First, your doctor will ask about any changes you've noticed in your skin, like new spots, moles or anything unusual. They might also ask if you have a history of skin cancer in your family or if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure.
Full-Body Check
During the exam, your doctor will closely examine your skin from head to toe. They’ll check moles, freckles and any other spots that might seem suspicious. It’s usually quick and painless. You’ll likely be asked to wear a gown so the doctor can check all areas of your skin, even places you don’t think about, like your scalp, between your toes or the bottoms of your feet.
Dermatoscope
Sometimes, the doctor will use a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. It helps them see more detail in spots or moles to determine if something looks unusual.
Biopsy, if Needed
If the doctor finds something concerning, they might recommend a biopsy, which means removing a small bit of skin to send to a lab for testing. Don’t worry — this part is usually quick, and they’ll use a numbing medicine, so you won’t feel much.
Results and Next Steps
If you need a biopsy, your doctor will explain the next steps and review the results with you when they return. If nothing is found, you’ll monitor your skin at home and go back for regular checkups as needed.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThe screening is all about catching anything early; for most people, it's a straightforward process that doesn’t take long. If you ever feel unsure or have questions during the exam, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor; they want to help and ensure you feel comfortable.
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Q:Question: What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
A:Answer:There are a few things that can increase your chances of developing skin cancer, but knowing these risk factors can help you take steps to protect yourself. Here are some common ones:
- Sun exposure: Spending much time in the sun, especially without sunscreen or other sun protection, can raise your risk. This includes both intense sunburns and long-term exposure over the years. Tanning beds can also increase your chances.
- Fair skin, light hair and light eyes: People with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes have less melanin, which protects the skin from UV radiation. This doesn’t mean people with darker skin can’t get skin cancer, but those with a fairer skin tone are at higher risk.
- History of sunburns: If you’ve had severe sunburns, especially during childhood, that can increase your risk later in life.
- Family history of skin cancer: If skin cancer runs in your family, you might be more likely to develop it, too. It’s a good idea to let your doctor know if any close relatives have had it.
- A lot of moles or unusual moles: Having many moles or larger and more irregular moles (sometimes called dysplastic or atypical moles) can put you at a higher risk.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had organ transplants or certain illnesses, are more vulnerable to skin cancer.
- Older age: The risk of skin cancer increases as you get older, simply because of the cumulative exposure to UV rays. But remember, skin cancer can develop at any age.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Some substances, like arsenic and long-term radiation exposure, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerRemember, just because you have one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll get skin cancer. It just means you should be extra careful about protecting your skin, like wearing sunscreen, covering up when you’re in the sun and checking your skin regularly for any changes. If you’re unsure, your doctor will guide you in reducing your risk and keeping your skin healthy.
Learn more on our blog about sun protection and skin cancer.