Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting about 20% of adults at some point during their life. At North Pacific Dermatology in Arcata, Crescent City and Fortuna, California, Drs. Arnold and Kinsley, along with a highly skilled team of providers specialize in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. Don’t wait to get checked. If you have an unusual growth on your skin, call the office most convenient to you or schedule your skin cancer consultation online today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when there’s an overproduction of abnormal skin cells, creating a lesion or tumor. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sun rays triggers a change in skin cell DNA, resulting in abnormal growth, making this a major contributor to the cause of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is common and can affect anyone.

What are the types of skin cancer?

Skin cancer comes in many types. Some of the most common include:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. This type causes pink or flesh-colored bumps or pearly growths on sun-exposed areas of the skin like the head, neck, or arms.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. With this type, you may have red, scaly, or ulcer-like growths on your face, neck, arms, chest, or back.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC but is the deadliest type of skin cancer because it spreads quickly. Melanoma may grow from an existing mole or appear as a new mole. 

The team at North Pacific Dermatology recommends scheduling an appointment immediately if you have an unusual-looking mole or a new mole. Finding and treating melanoma right away improves your chances of a full recovery.

What happens during a skin cancer evaluation?

The team at North Pacific Dermatology conducts a thorough skin exam when you come in for a skin cancer evaluation. They make note of moles and other skin growths, and may biopsy any growths they have concerns about and send a sample to the pathology lab for evaluation.

What are the treatments for skin cancer?

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, though skin surgery to remove growths is the primary treatment for all types. The dermatologist at North Pacific Dermatology have been performing skin surgery to treat skin cancer for more than 20 years.

You may also need other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy following the removal of your skin cancer if it has spread to other areas of the body.

Skin cancer is a serious health concern. Call North Pacific Dermatology today to schedule your evaluation.