Skin Cancer

What causes skin cancer?

If you are repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it can damage the skin over time. This can lead to skin cancer, which may account for why it’s a leading cancer diagnosis in the United States.

Radiation damage to cells results in abnormal and uncontrolled growth, which can take the form of dangerous skin lesions that can spread to other parts of the body. This risk makes it vital to talk to the Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team if you notice symptoms that are concerning.

What are the types of skin cancer?

The Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team treats:

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer and arises from injuries, chronic inflammation, or actinic keratosis growths. While this type of skin cancer can be deadly, working with a team of highly trained experts gives you more options for safe removal.

Actinic keratoses

These growths are precancerous and generally appear on areas that get a lot of sun exposure, like your arms, face, and scalp. Typical symptoms include dry, rough lesions or patches that are more easily felt than seen.

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive cancer that causes malignant nodules which grow rapidly. For best outcomes, seeking an early diagnosis followed by prompt treatment is important.

Basal cell carcinoma

This common type of skin cancer is most likely to occur in areas with high sun exposure. It may resemble a scaly growth, an unhealing sore, or a pearly bump on the skin.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than squamous or basal cell carcinoma, but it is very dangerous because it is so likely to spread to surrounding tissues. For your safety, keep the Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team apprised of changes to moles or pigmented areas on your body.

What treatments are available for skin cancer?

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, they immediately get to work personalizing a care plan to begin your treatment as soon as possible. Depending on the location, type, and severity of your skin cancer, they may recommend:

• Surgical excision
• Topical treatments
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Cryotherapy
• Mohs surgery

Getting prompt care greatly improves your potential outcomes. Rely on the Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team for compassionate and experienced care by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.