Skin Cancer Treatment in Southampton, PA
ABCDs
of Melanoma
Asymmetry
Border Irregularity
Color Variation Within
Diameter (> 6 mm)
ONE NOTABLE EXCEPTION TO THE ABCDs OF MELANOMA
There is a very common growth called a ‘seborrheic keratosis’ which you may hear about during your visit.
At first glance, they can be concerning since they fit the typical melanoma description of a ‘dark, irregularly-bordered mole.’ However, they ar¬e not actually a true ‘mole’ and have no potential whatsoever to turn into skin cancer. Unlike melanoma, a ‘seborrheic keratosis’ will usually (but not always) feel dry or scaly. If you are told by your dermatologist that the spot which was concerning you is in fact a ‘seborrheic keratosis’, then that’s a good thing and should provide reassurance that your lesion is indeed harmless.
Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas (BCC/SCC) are actually the most common types of skin cancers. They tend to receive less attention in the media because, with very little exception, they are not considered life-threatening. Instead, the greater concern is that if left untreated, they can ‘eat away’ at the skin and any underlying structures. The formation of basal and squamous cell carcinomas is closely linked to the total amount of sun exposure one has had in their lifetime.
The key difference in how BCC/SCC present as compared to melanomas is that they typically are not dark. Instead, look for any spot on your skin that seems to constantly crust, scab, or otherwise just won’t heal.
In fact, a common statement dermatologists often hear from patients who have a basal or squamous cell carcinoma is that they ‘thought they had a bug bite, pimple, or injury that just wouldn’t heal.’
A final lesion worth mentioning is called a ‘keratoacanthoma’ or ‘KA’. They are related to squamous cell carcinoma and are considered relatively benign since they also don’t tend to ‘spread’. However, they usually arise very quickly and still need to be treated. Most patients with a KA think that they have a ‘cyst’ or ‘boil’ that is growing quickly, doesn’t drain, and won’t heal.
BCC
SCC
Keratoacanthoma
Contact Our Office Today
Whether you need mole removal in Southampton, PA or something more questionable tested, our medical center is ready to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment. You’re going to be glad that you got yourself checked out. Schedule peace of mind for yourself.
Melanoma Dermatologist and Dermatology Providers in Southampton, PA
The Best Skin Cancer Treatment in Southampton, PA
Whether you spent a lot of time in the sun or were exposed to some form of radiation, there’s a chance that you may have skin cancer. If you’ve noticed an odd freckle or another problem area that doesn’t look healthy, you need to have yourself tested at our board-certified medical center. At Penn Dermatology Specialists, we are experts in treating skin cancer and providing melanoma treatment. Here’s what you need to know about our skin cancer treatment in Bucks County and Southampton, PA.
Receive the Best Melanoma Treatment with Our Dermatologist and Dermatology Providers for Skin Cancer in Southampton, PA
When it comes to looking for skin cancer treatments from a board-certified clinic, you should always choose our dermatologist and dermatology providers for skin cancer. There are a few symptoms of skin cancer and melanoma that can help you determine whether it’s cancer or just a mole. These symptoms include:
- Location of growth
- Bumps or nodules
- Red or flesh-colored
- Itchiness or burning
Not all cancer cases will have all of these symptoms. However, many do. If you notice an odd mole or freckle that doesn’t quite look right, you should see our dermatologist and dermatology providers. Our clinic can provide melanoma treatment like Mohs surgery.
This is an effective method for removing lumps and cancer cells from the body. The earlier that your cancer is detected, the better your treatment will be. Regularly visiting our dermatologist and dermatology providers is a great way to ensure any questionable freckles are spotted immediately.