Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells inside your epidermis. In the United States, one in five Americans will receive a diagnosis in his or her lifetime. Skin cancer doesn't discriminate and affects people of all races, colors, shapes, and sizes. Skin cancer is significantly addressed by our team of professionals during your appointment at our Southeast Dermatology office. We have two convenient locations for patients near Pasadena, TX, or Houston, TX, and can educate you about the various types of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Visit our Southeast Dermatology office immediately if you notice the following. The sooner skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
- A cluster of scaly red or pink lesions
- Brown or black streaks under fingernails
- Existing moles that suddenly grow, itch, or bleed
- Dark lesions on sensitive areas of the body
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is diagnosed with a biopsy. Below the types of skin cancer are addressed from mild to severe. If you have concerns, our dermatologists can discuss them in-depth, during your consultation.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma - is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cells produce new skin cells as the old ones die. When damage from UV overexposure occurs, these cancerous lesions can form in the outer layers of the skin.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma - most frequently appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin such as the head, neck, lips, arms, legs, and hands. It's usually not life threatening and develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of your skin.
- Melanoma - although this is the rarest form of skin cancer, it is the most fatal among patients as young as 30. Melanoma can run in families, but it usually occurs when pigment-producing cells develop cancer. Melanoma spreads quickly to other organs if not caught early.
Treatments for Skin Cancer
Skin cancer treatment options at our Southeast Dermatology office will depend on the type, location, depth, and size of the growth. Standard treatment options for mild cases often include medicated creams, cryosurgery, or minimally invasive scraping to eliminate the tumor. Severe cases may require surgical excision, topical chemotherapy, or radiation. Our dermatologists want to help you reduce your risk as much as possible, and can suggest tips for prevention based on your risk and lifestyle factors.
Skin cancer is taken very seriously at our Southeast Dermatology office. You know your body more than anyone, and if you notice a skin abnormality, don't ignore it. To learn more about the types of skin cancer, and other services provided, visit our website. For appointment scheduling, please call our Houston, TX, office at 281-481-0033 or our Pasadena, TX, office at 281-991-5944.