Identify concerning growths early with expert care at Curated Dermatology. Skin cancer can appear as rough, scaly patches, non-healing sores, or changing moles. Dr. Tanvi Patel, our board-certified dermatologist, provides expert evaluation and treatment for all types of skin cancer. Your skin deserves personalized, attentive care, curated just for you.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, typically due to cumulative sun exposure or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is the most common form of cancer in the United States and includes several types, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancer may develop on sun-exposed areas, but it can also arise in places with minimal UV exposure, making regular skin checks and evaluations by a dermatologist essential for early detection and successful treatment.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, arising from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in your skin. It often develops in existing moles or appears as irregularly shaped growths that may be asymmetrical, multicolored, or rapidly changing in size. Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers, but it poses a much higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body if not caught early. However, the survival rate for localized melanoma is over 98% with prompt treatment, so you must get skin cancer screenings regularly.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Melanoma:
- A mole or spot with an asymmetrical shape
- Irregular, jagged, or blurred borders
- Multiple colors within one lesion, such as brown, black, red, blue, or white
- A mole larger than ¼ inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Noticeable changes over time in size, shape, or color
- A new mole that appears different from others on your skin
- Any growth that itches, bleeds, crusts, or won’t heal
- Dark streaks under fingernails or toenails (subungual melanoma)
- A lesion on the palms, soles, or mucous membranes (acral lentiginous melanoma)
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, originating in the basal cells located in the outermost layer of the skin. It develops in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, and scalp. BCC appears as a pearly or translucent bump, a pink or red patch, or a sore that bleeds, crusts, and doesn’t heal. Although BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing disfigurement.
Common signs & symptoms of BCC:
- A pearly or translucent bump that may appear pink, white, or skin-colored
- A flat, scaly patch with a slightly raised, rolled edge
- A sore that bleeds, oozes, or doesn’t heal
- A shiny or waxy area that may resemble a scar
- A pink growth with a raised border and central indentation
- A red, irritated patch that may itch or crust
- A lesion with visible blood vessels (telangiectasia)
- A recurring scab or sore in the same area
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, arising from the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. It typically develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, lips, neck, and hands, but can also occur in areas not frequently exposed to sunlight.
While many cases of SCC are treatable when caught early, this form of skin cancer can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and may spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, so prompt treatment is crucial.
Common signs & symptoms of SCC:
- A rough, scaly patch that may crust or bleed
- A firm, red bump or nodule that continues to grow
- A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly reopens
- A raised growth with a central depression
- A wart-like lesion that may become tender or painful
- A thickened, red, or crusty area on the lip, ear, or other sun-exposed regions
- A growth that feels tender, itchy, or sore to the touch
- A lesion that develops on previously injured or inflamed skin
Oncological dermatology,
curated just for you
Dr. Tanvi Patel, our board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in skin cancer diagnosis and management, is committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care. Whether you’re concerned about a new lesion or monitoring an existing spot, she offers expert evaluation and personalized treatment planning. At Curated Dermatology, every detail of your skin health is handled with precision. Schedule your consultation for skin cancer evaluation in Bridgewater, NJ, and experience oncological dermatology curated just for you.
