Skin Cancer Types
in Phoenix, Arizona
At Arizona Skin, we specialize in diagnosing and treating various types of skin cancer. Our commitment is to provide the residents of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Buckeye, Surprise, and the surrounding areas with comprehensive information and expert care for different skin cancer types.
What are the Types of Skin Cancer?
There are three major types of cancer, which include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. However, Dr. Mehta and the rest of our team at Arizona Skin specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of many types of skin cancer. Understanding the types of skin cancer is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.
Actinic Keratoses (AK)
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common precancerous skin lesions often associated with prolonged sun exposure. They typically form as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and arms. The texture of these lesions can be sandpapery, and their color may range from skin-toned to reddish-brown. While not all actinic keratoses develop into skin cancer, they are considered an early stage in the development of squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It originates in the basal cells, which are found in the lowest layer of the epidermis. BCC often appears as a waxy bump or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, typically developing in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head or neck. BCC needs to be treated because it could grow into nerves and bones, resulting in disfigurements and damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, and arises from the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. This type of skin cancer is characterized by firm, red nodules or flat lesions with a scaly, crusted surface. SCC is also commonly found in sun-exposed areas of the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can develop in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. It can appear as a new dark spot on the skin or develop from an existing mole. our team uses the ABCDs to detect melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, and Diameter. Melanomas can vary greatly in appearance, making regular skin examinations crucial. Based on information from the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma accounts for only one percent of skin cancer cases but for the majority of skin cancer deaths. For this reason, melanoma needs to be treated quickly once it’s diagnosed.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
A rare but aggressive skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma starts in hormone-producing cells just beneath the skin and in hair follicles. It typically appears as a firm, painless nodule, often red, pink, or blue, and may occur anywhere on the body.
Kaposi Sarcoma
This type of cancer develops from the cells that line blood or lymph vessels and is more common in people with weakened immune systems. Kaposi sarcoma usually appears as tumors on the skin or mucosal surfaces, which are often purple.
Sebaceous Carcinoma
A rare and aggressive cancer that originates in the oil glands in the skin, sebaceous carcinoma typically presents as hard, painless nodules. It often develops on the eyelids but can occur elsewhere on the body.
What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?
The signs of skin cancer will vary depending on the type of skin cancer. However, some of the most common signs of skin cancer include:
- Changes in moles: changes in existing moles, such as changes in size, shape, color, or texture can be a sign of skin cancer. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders.
- Color: Varies from one area to another; shades of tan, brown, black, sometimes white, red, or blue.
- Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
- Evolving: A mole that changes in size, shape, or color.
- New growths or spots
- Pain or itchiness
- Scaly or crusty skin lesions
- Non-healing sores
- Spread of pigment
- Redness or swelling
How is Skin Cancer Detected?
Skin cancer is typically detected through skin cancer screenings, which involve full-body skin exams, and may also involve blood tests or biopsies on suspicious areas of the skin. During your skin cancer screening, our team will look for signs of skin cancer to evaluate whether further testing is needed. To perform a biopsy, he’ll numb the skin and then shave off a small sample of the suspicious area. He’ll then send the biopsy to a pathology laboratory for evaluation. After our team gets your pathology report, we can determine whether there is skin cancer present, and if so, determine the appropriate treatment for it.
How is Skin Cancer Treated?
Each type of skin cancer has its unique characteristics and requires a specialized approach to treatment. At Arizona Skin, our goal is to provide personalized care, ensuring that our patients receive the most effective treatments tailored to their specific needs. Early detection and treatment are key to successfully managing skin cancer. To help patients overcome skin cancer, Arizona Skin offers skin cancer screenings and specializes in skin cancer treatments that include:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
- Cryosurgery
- Electrodesiccation and curettage
- Excision
- Intralesional chemotherapy
Why Choose Arizona Skin for Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment?
Patients throughout the Phoenix area can feel confident choosing Arizona Skin for skin cancer screening and treatment thanks to the expert guidance Dr. Jay G Mehta. We specialize in both early detection and advanced treatment of skin cancer. Our team possesses a wealth of experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating various types of skin cancer. We tailor every treatment plan to our patients’ specific needs, offering high efficacy rates and the best possible treatment experience. Furthermore, we offer advanced skin cancer treatment options from photodynamic therapy to intralesional chemotherapy to help patients overcome their skin cancer diagnosis. We are ready to support you through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
If you are seeking professional care through skin cancer detection or treatment, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Arizona Skin. Dr. Mehta will perform a thorough skin cancer screening to maximize your chances of early detection and, if needed, a successful skin cancer treatment. We welcome patients from Phoenix, Surprise, Buckeye, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas of Arizona.
If you are experiencing any skin concerns or conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arizona Skin. Our team of experts is here to provide you with the highest quality medical dermatology care in the Greater Phoenix area. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards healthier skin. We welcome patients from Scottsdale, Surprise, and Buckeye, Arizona.