Skin Cancer

If you develop new or unusual skin lesions that may indicate cancer, see the experts at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, right away. Dermatology specialists Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team offer Mohs surgery and other skin cancer treatments to eliminate cancerous tissues and your risk of severe complications. Call the Integrated Dermatology of Montrose office to schedule an appointment, or book online today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer consists of abnormal clumps of skin cells that may develop due to unprotected sun exposure or other reasons. Common forms of skin cancer include:

Basal cell carcinoma

A basal cell carcinoma often develops on sun-exposed skin, including your face or neck. It might look like a waxy or pearly bump, bleeding or scabbing sore, flesh-colored bump, or brown lesion.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears on the ears, face, hands, or other sun-exposed areas, especially in people with darker skin. You may notice a red, firm nodule, flat lesion, or lesion with a crusted or scaly surface.

Malignant melanoma

Melanoma is a more dangerous form of skin cancer. It may appear on your face, trunk, or lower legs. Melanoma can develop as a brown spot containing dark specks, a dark lesion, or a mole that changes in appearance. You might have a lesion that’s painful or itchy, burning, has irregular borders, or contains multiple colors. Melanomas might also bleed.

If you notice abnormal moles, skin tags, or other lesions, have them evaluated at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose for skin cancer.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

The most common risk factor for skin cancer is unprotected or frequent sun exposure. Additional risks include having fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, having a lot of moles, radiation exposure, and a history of sunburns. A weakened immune system is also a risk factor for skin cancer.

How does my provider diagnose skin cancer?

Your Integrated Dermatology of Montrose specialist diagnoses skin cancer after discussing your medical history and symptoms. They examine new or suspicious skin lesions and may take a biopsy (skin sample) and send it to a lab for analysis.

How is skin cancer treated?

Common treatments for skin cancer include:

• Excision
• Freezing
• Mohs surgery
• Electrodesiccation 
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Biological therapy 

Photodynamic therapy uses light energy to destroy cancer cells. 

Mohs surgery is a common treatment for skin cancer. Your dermatology specialist carefully removes cancerous tissues, one layer at a time, and examines each under a microscope until all cancer cells are gone.

You might undergo more than one treatment, depending on the type of cancer you develop and whether it has spread to other areas of your body.

It’s vital to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen or protective clothing and complete regular skin checks at home and with your dermatologist.

Call the Integrated Dermatology of Montrose office, or schedule an appointment online today to get screened for skin cancer.