Skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. It’s also highly treatable when detected early. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our dermatologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. We’re by your side at every step of care with guidance, compassion and clinically proven treatments.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when cells in your skin start to grow out of control. This cell growth causes changes that can vary in appearance. While skin cancer can develop anywhere, it usually appears in areas routinely exposed to the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer. Most skin cancers grow slowly and respond well to treatment, but some can spread quickly and become life-threatening.

Are moles related to skin cancer? Should you have a mole removed?

Moles are groups of deeply pigmented skin cells. They can be flat or raised above the skin’s surface. Most moles are not precancerous, but some can turn into melanoma. Your doctor may recommend removing moles that are large, mottled or become easily irritated, which can all be signs of precancerous changes.

Causes of skin cancer

The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun. Tanning booths and sunlamps are also a source of UV light.

Skin cancer diagnosis 

You may notice a suspicious area of skin (lesion) at home, or your doctor may detect it during a routine exam. To determine if a skin lesion is cancer, your doctor will perform a skin biopsy. This procedure involves removing all or part of the abnormal area and sometimes a margin of healthy tissue around it. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

If the lesion is cancerous, your doctor may order other tests. Genetic testing shows if there are specific genetic changes that might affect your treatment options. Biopsies of nearby lymph nodes and imaging help your doctor determine if cancer has spread.

Skin cancer risk factors

Anyone can get skin cancer, but your risk is greater if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Other factors that increase your risk include:

• Fair skin that freckles easily
• Family history of skin cancer
• History of blistering sunburns
• Light-colored hair and eyes
• Many moles, or moles of unusual size or shape
• Past radiation therapy for acne

Skin cancer prevention 

Skin cancer is preventable much of the time. To reduce your risk:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun: UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and during the summer months. The sun’s rays can also pass through clouds and reflect off sand and snow.
• Protect your skin: Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when you’re outdoors. On any exposed skin, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.

It’s also important to detect skin changes that could turn into cancer as early as possible. Talk to your doctor about skin cancer screening and how often you should perform skin self-exams at home. Let your doctor know if you find anything suspicious.

Skin cancer treatment 

Skin cancer treatment varies, depending on the cancer type, stage and location. The first step is to remove the lesion, often surgically. For some basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, nonsurgical treatment may be an option.

Common skin cancer treatments include:

• Topical medications: You apply a chemotherapy or other anticancer medicine directly to your skin.
• Photodynamic therapy: Your doctor applies a topical medication that destroys cancer cells when activated by a special light.
• Cryosurgery: Your doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the cancer cells.
• Curettage and electrodessication: Your doctor scrapes the cancer with a sharp tool, then applies an electric current to destroy remaining cancer cells.
• Simple excision: Your doctor surgically removes the skin cancer and stitches the skin together.
• Mohs surgery: A specially trained physician removes the cancer one layer at a time.

Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body may require more extensive surgery and other treatments, such as:

• Chemotherapy and other anticancer drugs
• Radiation therapy

Your treatment team will discuss your options with you before starting treatment. They’ll help you understand the possible risks and side effects of treatment and what to expect.

Treatment typically cures basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and early-stage melanoma. However, treatment can also cause scarring and other changes in appearance and function. Plastic surgeons are often part of the cancer care team. They offer advanced reconstructive techniques to give you the best possible cosmetic and functional outcome.