Skin
Cancer
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Clinic services offered in Scottsboro, AL
Skin cancer is a common type of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, when discovered early, the cancer can be treated. Muhammad Ata, MD, and the team at Premier Medical Clinic in Scottsboro, Alabama, can treat this type of cancer at their in-house skin cancer clinic. To find out more about their skin cancer clinic and treatment options, call Premier Medical Clinic today or book an appointment online.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal skin cells that progresses into malignant tumors. This abnormality can be triggered by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from sun rays, sunburns, and tanning beds.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
Skin cancer affects the outer layer of your skin. Recognizing the warning signs help you get treatment early so you can resolve the cancer and have minimal complications. These signs include:
- Irregular borders that appear jagged or blurred
- Moles that vary in color
- Moles larger than 6 millimeters in diameter
- Moles that change over time and differ in appearance from others on your body
- Itchy, crusty patches of skin
- Skin spots that bleed or crust over
- Abnormal lumps that appear clear, pink, red, or white
- Skin sores that don’t heal
- Irregular borders that appear jagged or blurred
- Moles that vary in color
- Moles larger than 6 millimeters in diameter
- Moles that change over time and differ in appearance from others on your body
- Itchy, crusty patches of skin
- Skin spots that bleed or crust over
- Abnormal lumps that appear clear, pink, red, or white
- Skin sores that don’t heal
Some of these symptoms indicate melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Even if you have basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, it’s important to have it removed and treated to prevent progression.
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What are different types of skin cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer. Each type is named after the skin cell where the tumor develops. They are most commonly recognized as:
Melanoma
Melanoma is known to be the most life-threatening form of skin cancer. Sometimes found on body parts not exposed to sunlight, it can spread quickly. Melanoma spots, with their jagged outlines and multiple combinations of colors such as red, gray, black, brown, or blue, are easily recognizable.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is a common form of skin cancer. It often looks like a dried, scaly sore or an abnormal lump. However, as the carcinoma develops, it can lead to bleeding or discharge. The neck, head, and upper torso are where basal cell carcinoma is commonly found.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Also known as SCC, this is another common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to various parts of the body within months. The neck, head, and upper torso are common areas where this type of cancer appears. It may also appear in the genital region, but this is uncommon.
Even though the goal is to avoid all skin cancer types, non-melanoma skin cancers have a small probability of spreading and normally only require light surgery or topical chemotherapy.
What happens at a skin cancer clinic?
When you arrive at the skin cancer clinic, the team looks over your skin from head to toe, including areas you may not expect, like your mouth, soles of your feet, and genitals. Even though skin cancer is most common in sun-exposed areas, it can appear anywhere. If the team discovers any suspicious or unusual moles or lesions, the next step is a biopsy. They remove a sample and take it to a lab for further examination and testing. Depending on the size of the sample, you might need a couple of stitches. Once your biopsy results are available, the team interprets them for you right away and lets you know if they’ve made a skin cancer diagnosis. Upon receiving a diagnosis, you can begin the treatment you need. To arrange your appointment at the in-house skin cancer clinic at Premier Medical Clinic, call today or book an appointment online.