The Basics

Skin cancers are malignant tumors resulting from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. In a healthy person, skin cells are regenerated regularly in a controlled manner. In a skin cancer patient, the DNA within the cells of the affected region gets damaged, and they proliferate in an uncontrolled manner, causing rapid mutation and tumor formation.

Skin cancer tumors can appear anywhere on the body but are more common on sun-exposed areas. They can be detected by a dermatologist during a skin exam.

It Is a Serious Disease.

It is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the U.S.

  • 3.5 million new skin cancer cases are diagnosed every year, or 9,500 cases every day.
  • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
  • 1 million people are living with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
  • More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
  • Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.
  • The U.S. spends over $8 billion to treat skin cancer annually.

Prevention and Early Detection Is Key to Good Health

Most skin cancers are highly treatable if detected early. The overwhelming majority of all skin cancers are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

  • Avoid tanning beds from an early age.
  • Limit excessive time in the sun during peak sunlight.
  • Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
  • If you or your family has a history of skin cancer, visit your dermatologist annually for a full-body skin exam.

We Use the Latest Medical Advances for Treatment

At Bluebonnet Dermatology, we use the latest innovations and advanced techniques to treat skin cancers, including

Following the diagnosis and treatment, our dermatologist prepares a personalized plan to help you prevent recurrence.

Skin Cancer Screenings

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
  • At least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
  • More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the country than all other cancers combined.
  • Cure rates can approach 99% if the skin cancer is detected and treated in the early stages.
  • Sun damage to the skin is cumulative over a person’s lifetime, so the average risk of skin cancer also increases as we age. 

The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt drop in preventive cancer screenings performed across the United States. Skin cancer diagnoses in the United States dropped by an average of 46% compared to the same time in 2019. Because of delayed or missed screenings, some cancer cases could present at a later stage with worse outcomes.

Similar to scheduling your annual physical examination with your primary care provider or visiting your dentist for your annual checkup, it is equally important to conduct a self-examination of your skin every month and schedule a professional skin examination with your dermatologist once a year. If you have had skin cancer in the past or if you have a family history of skin cancer, we recommend skin exams once every six months.

Common Skin Cancers

Most common skin cancers start in the upper layer of the skin or the epidermis

Basal Cell Carcinomas

Basal cells are in the lower part of the epidermis. They constantly divide to form new cells to replace the squamous cells that wear off the skin’s surface. As these cells move up in the epidermis, they get flatter, eventually becoming squamous cells. Skin cancers that start in the basal cell layer are called basal cell skin cancers or basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

 

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cells are flat cells in the upper part of the epidermis, which are constantly shed as new ones form. When these cells grow out of control, they can develop into squamous cell skin cancer or squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs).

 

Melanoma

Melanocytes make the brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown color. Melanin acts as the body’s natural sunscreen, protecting the deeper layers of the skin from some harmful effects of the sun. Melanoma starts in these cells.

Skin Cancer