Skin Cancer Q & A

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It usually develops because of changes in the skin’s DNA, causing abnormal cells to grow quickly. 

These DNA changes usually occur because of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, tanning bed, or sunlamp.

What are the types of skin cancer?

The type of skin cancer you have is determined by where it starts. Among many kinds of skin cancer, the most common include:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. With this type, you may develop skin-colored bumps on areas of your body that get the most sun, such as your head, neck, or arms. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second-most common type of skin cancer and causes firm red bumps, scaly patches, or nonhealing sores. SCC may develop on the ears, face, neck, arms, chest, or back. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC. However, it’s the deadliest type of skin cancer because it spreads quickly. Melanoma looks like an abnormal mole. It may develop within an existing mole or appear as an unusual dark spot on your skin.

Melanoma can affect any part of your body, including areas not exposed to the sun, like the soles of your feet. 

Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion that appears as a dry, scaly skin patch.

What happens during a skin cancer evaluation?

The Mohave Dermatology team conducts a thorough skin exam when you come in with concerns about abnormal skin growths. Your dermatologist examines your skin from head to toe, looking for cancerous lesions.

Depending on the location and size of the growth, they may remove it or take a biopsy of the growth. No matter what method the team uses, they send the abnormal growth to the pathology lab to confirm or rule out skin cancer.

What is Mohs micrographic surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective treatment for skin cancer with the highest cure rate. 

During Mohs micrographic surgery, your dermatologist at Mohave Dermatology removes the skin cancer in layers, examining each layer under a microscope until they reach the layer of healthy, cancer-free tissue.

Only dermatologists with special training can perform Mohs surgery. The team at Mohave Dermatology includes a dermatologist with this advanced training who performs the procedure on-site.

Skin cancer is curable when treated early. Call Mohave Dermatology in our Las Vegas office at (702) 628-5333, for our Mesquite office call (702) 346-5510, and for our Pahrump office call (775) 727-0900 or schedule your consultation online today.