SKIN CANCER SURGEON AVAILABLE FOR PATIENTS IN AKRON, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, MENTOR
Most skin cancers can be cured with early detection and treatment. The team of experienced dermatologists at Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery urge residents of the Akron and Cleveland area to learn more about this disease to minimize risk.
Types of skin cancers
Most skin cancers fall into three categories.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, caused by UV exposure from sun or tanning. These tumors grow slowly and rarely spread. Most occur on the face or neck in people over 50 years old with fair skin. Characteristics include:
- Pearly white or pink bump with visible blood vessels.
- What appears to be a raised mole with a pearly edge.
- Scaly flat scar with waxy appearance.
- Sore that heals and re-opens.
- Lesion that bleeds without provocation.
Squamous cell carcinomas have a red, inflamed base with a crusty or scaly top. They are most frequently found on sun-exposed areas such as backs of hands, ears, scalp, and face. However, they can develop anywhere including inside the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma can sometimes be aggressive and even fatal.
Melanoma is the least common but most deadly skin cancer. Melanomas are usually brown or black spots that resemble moles . Some are speckled, or pink or red. They can be scaly, or pearly and dome-shaped. A melanoma may develop anywhere on the body, including under fingernails or toenails, soles of feet, palms of hands, nose, mouth, or genitalia.
Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
We provide information, advice on preventive lifestyle habits and use of sunscreen, and skin cancer screenings. Biopsies are handled on-site. Should you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, our doctors are experienced in treatments ranging from deep chemical peels to medications, surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, and other techniques.