Dermatologist in Colorado Springs, CO.

Skin cancer affects more adults in the U.S. every year than any other type of cancer, underscoring the importance of regularly examining your skin. Cancer is easier to treat in the beginning stages. Learning to recognize the warning signs of skin cancer helps with early detection so treatment can begin promptly. The board-certified providers at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center in Colorado Springs, CO, diagnose and treat skin cancer. 

Types of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, but two of the most common are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Chronic sun exposure and using tanning beds both greatly increase the risk of developing either of these types of skin cancer. 

Melanoma is rarer but is the most deadly type of skin cancer. As with both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the risk of developing melanoma increases with chronic sun exposure. A history of sunburns also increases the risk. Early detection of melanoma and prompt treatment dramatically improves a patient’s prognosis with a five-year survival rate of close to 99 percent. 

Signs of Skin Cancer

Sudden or unusual changes to the skin can be a sign of possible skin cancer. Three early warning signs include:

• Developing bumps or sores that do not go away 
• Unusual growths on the skin that hurt, bleed, or change in size
• Waxy or pale patches of skin that eventually become scaly or crusty or begin oozing or bleeding

See a dermatologist if you develop any of the above symptoms. One of the best ways to spot the early warnings signs of skin cancer is by checking your skin regularly for any changes. It is also beneficial to schedule a skin cancer screening with a doctor once every year. Some additional signs that skin cancer might be present include: 

• Changes in the appearance of existing moles
• Sudden itching or bleeding of moles
• The development of new moles
• Sores that continue to reopen after healing 
• Patches of pink or red scaly lesions

Skin Cancer Treatment

Several methods are available for successfully treating skin cancer. The type of treatment used will depend on the type and severity of the skin cancer. Some ways of treating skin cancer at our Colorado Springs, CO, dermatology center include:

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery — A precise method of removing cancerous cells without damaging healthy skin tissue.
• Curettage and Desiccation — A technique for scraping out the tumor, then applying an electric current to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
• Surgical Excision — Surgery for the removal of malignant tumors.
• Radiation Therapy — Method for shrinking tumors that are severe, persistent, or in a difficult-to-reach location.
• Prescription Medicated Creams — Topical medications that stimulate the immune system to target cancerous cells.

Being able to recognize the early signs of skin cancer and examining your skin regularly leads to early detection and diagnosis when the cancer is easier to treat. For the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer in Colorado Springs, CO, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and knowledgeable dermatologists by calling Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center at (719) 574-0310, and in Trinidad, CO, at (800) 290-2478.