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Skin cancer is the uncontrolled overgrowth of abnormal skin cells caused by unrepaired DNA damage triggering a mutation causing skin cells to multiply quickly, forming cancer cells. Skin cancers, especially when caught early, can be treatable.
What is it?
The skin, our body's largest organ, consists of multiple layers. Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, which is made up of squamous cells (top layer), and can then reach down into the basal cells (under squamous cells) and melanocytes (pigment cells). Skin cancer can affect anyone and can manifest anywhere on the body, particularly in areas excessively exposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Our team at Dermatologists of Greater Columbus are skilled in managing skin cancer across all skin tones and types.
It's crucial to monitor any new or changing spots or bumps on your skin, noting variations in shape, color, size or texture. Should you observe itching, bleeding, crusting, oozing, or any suspicious marks, do not hesitate to contact us for further assessment. The health of your skin is important and early intervention is crucial for optimal treatment.
Alongside your yearly skin examination with a board-certified provider at DGC, regular self-exams using the ABCDE method are recommended. Seek immediate evaluation if a spot or mole exhibits:
Reducing sun exposure and safeguarding your skin from harmful UV rays can minimize your risk of skin cancer. Remember, sun damage can accumulate year-round, even during Ohio's chilly winters, so choose SPF 30+ sunscreen and limit exposure to the sun's rays to maintain skin health.
How is it treated?
Our medical practice will carry out a careful examination of the affected area if you suspect a suspicious area. If it appears to be cancerous, we will proceed with the removal of a tissue sample for further analysis. This procedure, known as a skin biopsy, enables us to send your tissue to our onsite fully accredited laboratory. The accreditation by the College of American Pathologists is an assurance of the highest standards of quality and precision. Using microscopic diagnosis in our lab, we will determine if your tissue is benign (normal, non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If it's the latter, our skin cancer professionals will identify the specific type of cancer and devise a personalized treatment plan. Our dermatology offices handle and treat all forms of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and sebaceous cell carcinoma.
Our cancer teams in Dublin, Columbus, Canal Winchester, Urbana, Circleville, Washington Courthouse, Grove City and Marysville, Ohio, have specialized training and certification in various skin cancer treatments. These include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Being part of DOCS Dermatology Group, our dermatologists also have access to innovative clinical trials for cancers that show less responsiveness to conventional treatment.
Always remember: Early detection is vital to a treatment plan.