Skin Cancer

Treatment Options

Biopsy, Excision

Results

As early as 1 month

(Treatment dependant)

Understanding Skin Cancer

1 out of every 5 people will get skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world, and if caught early, it is the easiest form of cancer to treat. That doesn’t mean you should put it off—if you see something that is changing on your skin, you should have it checked immediately.

Types Of Cancer

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma can look harmless. The symptoms are often subtle and can go unnoticed. While symptoms go unnoticed, melanoma has the potential to become metastic — meaning it can spread to other parts of your body. Mestatasizing is the most dangerous aspect of melanoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is a condition where a person is suffering from an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells take rise in the squamous cells, which makes up most of the upper layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma forms red patches on the skin. Open sores, elevated growths or the occurrences of warts are common manifestations. The warts may crust or bleed with time. These symptoms can worsen with time and if unattended to, can cause serious detriment to one’s wellbeing. In the United States, squamous cell carcinoma is second most common skin cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is usually caused by cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure. It’s development is gradual over a course of a lifetime. Exposure to UV lights over years via tanning on the beach during the summer and/or the use of tanning beds are all contributors to maturation. It will generally appear in the areas that have been most exposed to UV light, such as the head, neck and the back of the hands. Women often have it on their lower legs.

People with fair skin, light hair and grey, green or blue eye color are at more risk in contracting SCC. Those who work outdoors for long periods of time or who engage in outdoors activities are also more prone to contracting SCC as well.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common form of skin cancer in the world with an annual 2.8 million cases in the United States every year. BCCs are easy to treat in their early stages with a cure rate of close to 100 percent. However, BCCs can damage surrounding tissue and cause disfigurement. While they very rarely metastasize, BCCs continue to grow and will cause large scars.

Basal Cell Carcinoma symptoms include a red, irritated patch of skin or a pink growth that sometimes crusts or bleeds. These look like sores that simply will not heal. They can sometimes appear shiny or scar-like. If an injury on the skin does not heal quickly or regularly, it should be evaluated. If you have a lesion that is perpetually bleeding or oozing, do not wait to get it treated.

How Do We Treat Skin Cancer?

If you notice any suspicious skin changes, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our providers. We will begin by assessing the lesion, and we may do a biopsy if necessary.

Call us at the number below to book your appointment.

Other conditions

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

225 Physician Park Dr. Suite 304, Poplar Bluff, MO.

(573) 686-4750

By Appointment Only

Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm

Saturday - Sunday

Closed

We Accept Insurance

We strive to make our top-tier dermatological services accessible to everyone. If your insurer isn't on this list, please give us a call to verify your benefits.