Skin Cancer

Have you noticed a changing mole, a scaly patch, or a growing lump? All of these can potentially be early signs of skin cancer. The good news is, most forms of skin cancer are curable, but the key is catching it and treating it early. The best way to do so is by regularly checking your skin for moles, patches, and lumps, and reporting any changes or concerns to your dermatologist immediately.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: Not only is this type of cancer the most common, but it is also the most treatable. Most people who have this type of cancer got it because of prolonged sun or tanning bed exposure. This type of skin cancer can be difficult due to its tendency to grow deep and wide, causing potential skin tissue and bone damage. If neglected, it can be very destructive and disfiguring, but rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Once the skin has been exposed to the sun or tanning beds for many years, it can develop this type of skin cancer. Since this cancer can spread to other parts of the body, it is important to catch it early. If caught early, this type of cancer is highly curable.
• Melanoma: This type of cancer can happen to anybody, and can be deadly even in young people. For this reason, it is critical to ensure that you are getting regular checks on your moles, and taking notes of any changes. Once an individual has melanoma, it can spread very quickly. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical removal is the key in curing this type of cancer.

At DSI, we specialize in treating these types of skin cancers. There are several surgical and non-surgical ways of treating these lesions and we offer most of these techniques. Your treatment recommendations will be tailored to the specifics of your case and a collaborative discussion between provider and patient is encouraged. If you suspect that you have a skin lesion that might be cancerous, do not delay, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Specialists of Illinois right away.

Call Dermatology Specialists of Illinois at (844) 307-7546 to schedule a consultation.