Skin Cancer

Regular visits to your dermatologist help you prevent dangerous conditions and protect your health by detecting problems early and providing advanced care for issues like skin cancer. One in five Americans develops skin cancer in the course of their lives, which is why board-certified dermatologist Frank Samarin, MD, and the team employ leading-edge techniques to treat cancer with precision at Mountaintop Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about skin cancer care, call the office to book a screening appointment or contact Mountaintop Dermatology online today.

What are the most common types of skin cancer?

The three most prevalent skin cancer types include:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

This skin cancer is the most common type and usually appears as a reddish skin patch or flesh-colored growth. Fair-skinned individuals are at a higher risk for BCC, but it also has a high cure rate, especially when caught early.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

The second-most common type, SCC, can form a non-healing scab, a wart-like growth, or a firm bump. Look closely at your head and neck, including the tonsils, throat, tongue, and lips, for this surface cancer.

Melanoma

Over a million Americans are battling melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer. It begins in your pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes, and often looks like a new mole or a change in a mole you already had.

Skin cancer can affect any race and color of skin, making preventive screenings and prompt care essential for everyone.

How is skin cancer treated?

The Mountaintop Dermatology team treats your skin cancer after a skin exam and biopsy that provides a diagnosis. Depending on the skin cancer type and stage, Dr. Samarin may recommend:

Mohs surgery

This technique preserves as much of your healthy tissue as possible while removing cancer cells. By removing thin layers of skin at a time and carefully examining them for harmful cells, the team can determine when to stop.

Superficial radiation therapy (SRT)

SRT uses radiation energy to target cancer cells. This non-surgical treatment often gets used to treat squamous and basal cell carcinomas. 

Surgical excision

After numbing the area, Dr. Samarin removes cancerous lesions with a scalpel.

Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED & C)

ED & C utilizes a surgical tool to scrape skin growths or cancerous tissue off your skin before carefully cauterizing the area with an electric needle — no stitches required. 

How can I avoid developing skin cancer?

You can take steps to protect your skin, such as:

• Avoid sun during peak periods (10 am to 2 pm)
• Apply water-resistant sunscreen daily and reapply frequently
• Wear protective clothing
• Avoid ultraviolet light from sources like tanning beds

If you notice a change in your skin, such as a spot altering the shape, growing, itching, or bleeding, contact the Mountaintop Dermatology team immediately.

For comprehensive skin cancer care, call Mountaintop Dermatology to schedule an appointment today or reach out online.