People think of skin cancer as a particular thing – But it’s not; it’s more than seeing a spot appear on your skin and getting it treated by your general practitioner.
As a resident of Huntington, New York, identifying different types of skin cancer and symptoms can make the difference between life and death. However, skin cancer is a highly treatable form of cancer. It can become deadly if left untreated. Skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
There are three significant groupings of skin cancer.
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanomas
Other types of skin cancer include:
- Merkel cell tumors
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans
Because the skin is the largest organ we have, it’s necessary to examine it often and have a professional look at any abnormalities. We cannot tell what’s OK to be on our skin or not. When it comes to skin cancer, it’s best to have a trained physician make the diagnosis.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the overwhelming majority of the skin cancer tumors you will notice. If left untreated, they can metastasize to deeper layers of the skin and move to other body areas through the bloodstream.
How to Identify Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma typically has the appearance of a raised yet smooth pimple. It generally appears on the part of the skin that is the most exposed to the sun – the head, neck, or shoulders. These basal cell carcinoma tumors can appear to be a sore that does not get better. You may see tiny blood vessels within the tumor. You may also see bleeding from the tumor and recurrent crusting over of the tumor.
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New Patients: (631) 417-3300 | Existing Patients: (631) 421-4398 Book an AppointmentSymptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include the appearance of a clearly defined, scaly, thickened bump on the skin exposed to the sun. It also may ooze cloudy liquid or bleed. Melanomas are generally brown or black lesions on the skin. A mole may suddenly change in shape, color, size or become larger. An existing mole may begin to be painful, itch or bleed.
Treatment for skin cancer includes Mohs Surgery. This surgery has been around since the 1930s and was developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs.
Getting the proper treatment begins with consulting the right professional. Fortunately, Mohs surgery is offered for different types of skin cancer and symptoms. Dr. Gina Marrero at the Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center is certified in Mohs surgery and performs all Mohs procedures. Once Dr. Marrero has completed the procedure, Dr. Ian Bourhill will take over to perform the necessary plastic surgery after the Mohs has been completed. Not many doctors are certified in Mohs surgery, so it is crucial to ask your healthcare provider if they have this all-important certification.
Make sure to contact Dr. Roger Koreen at (631) 417-3300 – The Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center at Huntington, New York. He and his team are professionally trained and qualified to diagnose and treat skin cancers. Don’t hesitate; early diagnosis and treatment is just one office visit away.
