Skin Cancer Specialist

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably due to unrepaired DNA damage. This triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead your skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. A common cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun or the frequent use of tanning beds. The most prevalent types of skin cancer are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Melanoma

What is basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

With more than four million cases diagnosed every year in the United States, BCC is the most frequently occurring form of skin cancer. This type of skin cancer is prompted by too much sun exposure and often presents itself as open sores, shiny bumps, red patches, or pink growths. Although BCC rarely spreads from the original tumor site, you should seek medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms.  

What is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer, mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light over a lifetime. The most common places you can find this type of cancer are areas more susceptible to higher sun exposure like your lower lip, the rim of your ear, or other areas of your face. SCC often looks like open sores, warts, scaly red patches, or elevated growths that may crust or bleed.

What is melanoma?

Although it's not the most common skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous and most deadly one. If detected early, the disease is usually curable. Usually, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole. If you notice such a difference, it's essential to visit a qualified professional, like the Dr. Shannon and the knowledgeable providers at Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center, right away. If a malignant melanoma spot goes undetected, the cancer can metastasize to other areas of your body, which can be fatal.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for treating many non-melanoma skin cancers – particularly basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The technique successfully removes your cancerous cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue and leaving minimal scarring. Due to the procedure's effectiveness and precision, Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center prefers to use Mohs surgery when treating cancers around your eyes, nose, lips, ears, scalp, fingers, toes or genitals.

Dr. Shannon at Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center specializes in Mohs surgery, which has the lowest recurrence rates, highest cure rates and best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment, making it one of the best options when it comes to cancer treatment today.

Millions of skin cancer cases are diagnosed every year. If you suspect you or a loved one may have signs of skin cancer, call Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today.