SKIN CANCERS

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a common form of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. It is not a melanoma skin cancer and is often not life threatening.

If you are diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, you may need a second procedure to remove the surrounding skin border of the lesion. This is to ensure that all of the skin cancer is removed. This can be done with a traditional excision, or if needed, with a tissue-sparing technique called Mohs surgery.

Cryotherapy, surgical removal, or electrocautery can thin these spots out or make these spots disappear. An exfoliating moisturizer can also be used to make them feel less rough.

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells — a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off. Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on sun-exposed parts of your body, especially your head and neck. Less often, basal cell carcinoma can develop on parts of your body usually protected from the sun, such as the genitals. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a change in the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won’t heal.

Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. Basal cell carcinoma occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck.

We recommend treatment of basal cell skin cancers with methods such as cryotherapy, chemotherapy cream, excision, MOHS surgery, laser therapy, radiation therapy, or electrodessication and curretage.