Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with one out of every five Americans developing a form of skin cancer by the age of 70. Early diagnosis and timely intervention is crucial for a good prognosis. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer. Most non-melanoma skin malignancies are linked to sun’s radiation UV energy. As a result, the first line of defense against skin cancer is sun protection. Skin cancer is highly treatable if found early and treated correctly. The first step is to have your skin examined by a board-certified dermatologist. Any noticeable changes in the skin such as spots that have changed in size, shape, or color should be reported to your physician. Suspicious lesions are biopsied, and a pathologist determines the type of cells found in the sample, as well as whether cancer has been diagnosed. Among the treatments offered are traditional surgery, scraping and burning, freezing, radiation, topical medicines, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Types Of Skin Cancer 

There are multiple types of skin cancers, such as:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
  Basal cell carcinoma starts in a cell under the skin's surface, producing new skin cells. It is formed by extended exposure to the sun. You can prevent it by using sunscreen or limiting sun exposure.
• Melanoma
  This type of cancer is found in the cells that produce melanin. It can be formed in areas other than your skin, such as eyes and wherever there are melanin cells.
• Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
  This is an umbrella term for all cancers that are not melanoma.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
  Squamous cell carcinoma is found in the middle and exterior layers of the skin. Exposure to sun and UV rays can cause squamous cell carcinoma.

Skin Cancer Symptoms

Each type of cancer has different symptoms. Here are the symptoms of each type of cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Usually found in areas that are exposed to the sun. This can include your face and your neck. Cancer can appear as a waxy or pearly bump on the surface of the skin. Or it can look like a flesh-colored lesion that may also look like a scar.

Moreover, if your scab/sore bleeds, heals, and returns, you must schedule a skin cancer specialist's appointment immediately.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of cancer is also prominent in areas exposed to the sun. This can include your ears, hands and face. Squamous cell carcinoma is most commonly found in people with a darker skin tone.

Cancer appears as a red and firm nodule, or it can look like a flat but scaly and crusted lesion on the skin.

Melanoma

Melanoma can be found anywhere on your skin. It is usually found in an existing mole, which you can find on your face in most cases. However, for men, you may find it on the trunk and for women, on their lower legs.

• This cancer can be found in people of all different skin tones. The symptoms include brown spots and dark speckles around them.
• It may be found in a mole that changes color, size and feeling over time.
• Lesions that either itch or burn or have irregular borders and portions.
• You can spot melanoma on your palms or other areas in the form of dark lesions.

FAQ on Skin Cancer Treatment MT

What to do if I need skin cancer treatment?

If you need any kind of skin cancer treatment, just give us a call, and we will make sure that you are connected with an expert right away.

Schedule an appointment with our skin cancer specialists and get medical help right away.

What treatment options do you offer at Yellowstone dermatology and skin cancer clinic?

Yellowstone Dermatology Associates offers many treatment options for your skin cancer treatment no matter what type.

• Traditional Surgery
• Scraping & Burning
• Freezing
• Radiation
• Topical Medicines
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery

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Serving Billings, Laurel, Red Lodge, Cody, Miles City, Sheridan and Surrounding Areas