Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer.

If you have skin cancer, it is important to know which type you have because it affects your treatment options and your outlook (prognosis). If you aren’t sure which type of skin cancer you have, ask your healthcare provider so you can get the right information.

Sun Protection Can Prevent Certain Skin Cancers

Skin Exams Are Important For Persons of All Ages

Skin Cancer Does Not Discriminate

Monthly Self Skin Exams Can Help In Early Detection

AK (Actinic Keratosis)

Actinic Keratoses (AK)

Thesetypes-of-skin-cancer-actinic-keratoses.jpg dry, scaly patches or spots are precancerous growths.

  1. People who get AKs usually have fair skin.
  2. Most people see their first AKs after 40 years of age because AKs tend to develop after years of sun exposure.
  3. AKs usually form on the skin that gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms.
  4. Because an AK can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important.
BCCA (Basal Cell Carcinoma)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)  types-of-skin-cancer-basal-cell-carcinoma.jpg

This is the most common type of skin cancer.

  1. BCCs frequently develop in people who have fair skin, yet they can occur in people with darker skin.
  2. BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.
  3. BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.
  4. BCC are common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.
  5. Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC is important. BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.
SCCA/SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. types-of-skin-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma.jpg

  1.  People who have light skin are most likely to develop SCC, yet they can develop in darker-skinned people.
  2. SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens.
  3. SCC tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. SCC can grow deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement.
  4. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop SCC from spreading to other areas of the body.
MM (Melanoma)

Melanoma

types-of-skin-cancer-melanoma.jpgMelanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer

  1.  Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.
  2. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
  3. Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find an early melanoma.

Helpful Skin Cancer Prevention Information

How may we help you?

We offer a wide range of procedures and services to help you achieve the very best skin health.
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Our services

General Dermatology

Surgical Care

Cosmetic Services

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What our patients say

Excellent! Dr. Smith and staff were attentive, friendly, and professional. They listened to my concerns and addressed them thoroughly with an assessment followed by a detailed conversation with me about treatments and outcomes Mandy Jones

- May 10, 2017

Very satisfied. Excellent service and very professional. Expertise is beyond comparison. Tom Brewer

- June 3, 2018

Georgia Skin & Cancer Clinic is staffed with professional providers, who care about their patients and their needs – highly recommended! Rick Bean

- January 21, 2019