OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGISTS WILL GUIDE YOU TOWARD THE BEST SOLUTION TO ADDRESS YOUR CONDITION

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SKIN CANCER

• Cancers of the skin are the most common form of cancer.
  This year, over 3.3 million people will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer. At Southern Dermatology, we take skin cancer seriously. We are committed to helping you keep your skin protected and healthy, and we specialize in the treatment of skin cancer.

• Protecting your skin from sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin cancer.
  Even with protection, skin cancer can develop in areas not exposed to the sun, which is why skin exams are essential. Protection from both natural sunlight AND artificial ultraviolet light (tanning beds) is a critical factor in preventing skin cancer.

• All genders, ages and skin types are susceptible to skin cancer.

• Tanning beds are dangerous, even if you do not burn your skin while using the tanning bed.
  The cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and more), as well as skin cancer. People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

• Sunburns significantly increase your risk of getting skin cancer, including melanoma.

DETECTION

• Southern Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists are Raleigh, NC’s skin cancer experts.
  Our experience in detecting precancerous and cancerous skin tissue has made Southern Dermatology the Triangle’s most trusted source for the detection and treatment of skin cancer.

• It is vital to keep an eye on changes or new growths on your skin.
  Skin cancer warning signs include the appearance of a new growth on your skin, variations in size, shape or color of existing moles or skin lesions, sores or cuts that don’t heal, and skin that has changed in tone or texture, or is bleeding or itchy. Please call at us at (919) 782-2152 if you are concerned about a change in your skin.

• People with a history of melanoma or skin cancer are urged to have an annual full body skin cancer screening.

Dr. Briley discusses the benefits of self skin examinations.

Dr. Eric Challgren discusses Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Dr. Briley discusses the risks of not having an annual skin check.

ACTINIC KERATOSIS (PRECANCEROUS SKIN LESIONS)
Rough, scaly patches on the skin, also know as solar keratosis are commonly found on the face, ears, lips, forearms, neck, scalp, and the back of the hands. A small percentage of this type of skin lesion can lead to skin cancer. It can be difficult to distinguish between noncancerous spots and cancerous spots, which is why an exam with a dermatologist is encouraged.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. While more common among people with fair skin, all skin types can develop BCC. Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells within the skin and commonly looks like a slightly transparent bump, but can also appear brown, black or blue in color. BCC can also present as a flat, scaly or reddish patch. Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma is the least common type of BCC and may look white, waxy or scar-like. Because this type of lesion can be difficult to see, it is important to have a dermatologist examine your skin, as this form of BCC can be invasive and cause disfigurement. While areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun such as the head and neck are the most common places to develop BCC, it can develop on many parts of the body.

Basal cell carcinomas commonly recur, even after being successfully removed. This type of skin cancer may also increase the risk of other types of skin cancer.

After a skin examination, a biopsy of the suspicious skin may be performed. The size and location of the BCC will dictate the best course of action. Our specialists will discuss with you the best treatment options.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)
SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer and develops in the squamous cells of the skin, the area that makes up the middle and outer layers of the skin. While not usually life-threatening, it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. SCC is generally a result of prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds and can form on any part of the skin with squamous cells. SCC can present on the body as a firm, red nodule, as a flat sore with a scaly crust, a new or raised area on an old scar or skin ulcer, a rough patch on the lips or inside the mouth or as a red, raised, wart-like sore in the anus or genitals.

Risk factors include excessive sun exposure, the use of tanning beds, a history of sunburns, previous precancerous lesions, a history of skin cancer, a weakened immune system or a rare genetic disorder known as xeroderma pigmentosum.

Left untreated, SCC can destroy neighboring healthy tissue, spread to the lymph nodes or other organs, and, although rare, can be fatal.

Based on what our board-certified dermatologist discovers, a course of treatment will be determined.

MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer, develops in melanocyte cells, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body; most often on areas that have had exposure to the sun or tanning beds, such as your back, legs, arms, and face. Melanomas can also occur in regions of the body that don't receive much sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands and fingernail beds. Hidden melanomas are more common in people with darker skin.

The first signs of melanoma may be changes to an existing mole, however, in some patients, the melanoma could appear somewhat “normal” looking. While most people have between 10-45 moles, it is essential to keep an eye on your moles. In addition to an annual skin cancer screening, if you notice any changes to your moles or discover new moles, you should talk with your dermatologist or physician.

Risk factors include people with fair skin, exposure to UV radiation which come from the sun and tanning beds, a history of sunburn, having many moles, a family history of melanoma, and for people who live closer to the equator or at higher altitudes. Prevention against sun exposure combined with early detection can prevent and help treat melanoma.