What you need to know about the signs of common skin cancers

Featured Article, Skin Cancer Screenings

Dermatologist examining a patient for skin cancer signs in McKinney, TX

Like many cancers, skin cancer is almost always curable when it is detected and treated early, before the disease has spread to the lymph nodes and other distant sites. For this reason, Bluebonnet Dermatology prioritizes education on regular self-examinations as well as regular, professional screenings by our Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Huayi Zhang.

What type of spots should I watch out for?

Our team encourages you to take note of any changes in moles, freckles, and other spots on your skin. Different skin cancers manifest in different ways. Often, benign or non-cancerous spots can also resemble cancerous lesions. So, it is essential to have any suspicious areas or changing spots checked out by Dr. Zhang.

What are the most common skin cancers that you see and treat?

Basal cell carcinoma is more common than any other skin cancer. These cancers form in the basal cells located in the lower part of the outermost skin layer (the epidermis). The next most common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, forms in the squamous cells (also in the epidermis). While melanoma only accounts for around 1% of all skin cancers, it is the deadliest. Melanomas develop in the melanocyte cells that produce melanin pigment, which gives your skin its color and also protects against damaging UV light from the sun.

How do basal cell carcinomas look?

BCCs tend to appear as flesh-colored or pink growths, bumps, and patches on light or fair skin. They usually arise due to the cumulative effects of years of sun exposure and tanning. While BCCs may appear anywhere, they are most common in heavily sun-exposed areas (such as the neck, arms, and head). Early detection and treatment are important as BCCs have the potential to grow and cause damage to the nerves and bones.

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What are some signs of squamous cell carcinomas?

SCCs often look like bumps that are red and feel firm. They also appear as scaly patches. Some of our patients may mistake SCCs for benign sores. These sores may heal and then re-open over and over again. SCCs typically appear in the most sun-exposed areas, including the ears, face, neck, back, and arms. They, too, have the potential to grow and spread deeply into the skin. To avoid damage or disfigurement, it’s important to have any of these bumps, patches, or persistent sores evaluated by Dr. Zhang.

What are the ABCDEs of melanoma?

This is a handy way to remember how to spot potential red flags for this serious skin cancer.

ABCDE stands for:

Asymmetry – One side of the spot looks different from the other side; they don’t “mirror” each other.
Border – The suspicious spot doesn’t have nice, smooth edges. It may appear jagged or have a poorly defined outline.
Color – Melanomas may be multi-colored, and include some blend of red, brown, tan, white, blue, or black.
Diameter – Melanomas tend to stick out from the surrounding skin due to their larger size. Think of the size of a pencil eraser. Anything around that size or bigger may warrant a prompt call to our office.
Evolving – It is important to contact us if you notice any changes in the appearance of a mole or spot. We also monitor for and track any changes in the size, shape, color, and “behavior” (Does it itch? Bleed? Feel tender?) of spots from visit to visit.

If you are concerned about a spot or are due for a screening, call (469) 663-8838 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zhang at Bluebonnet Dermatology in McKinney, TX, today. We proudly serve patients from McKinney, as well as the surrounding communities of Allen, Frisco, and Plano.

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Dr. Huayi Zhang

Dr. Huayi Zhang is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancers and other dermatological conditions across all skin types. Her educational journey includes a BA in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, an MS in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, and a medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where she also completed her dermatology residency as Chief Resident.

Dr. Zhang is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and an active member of several medical associations. She is dedicated to advancing patient care through research, education, and compassionate treatment.

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