Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and one of the most serious skin conditions. Some 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. People in low-latitude, sunny places like Texas are frequently at risk of developing skin cancer. So, regular check-ups are vital in helping detect and treat potentially cancerous spots early before they metastasize.

If you’re in the North Texas area around Dallas, consider booking a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to get screened for skin cancer. We’re proud to serve customers from the entire metroplex, including Prosper, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, Garland, and Allen.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer has a number of causes, but the most common is ultraviolet (UV) light damage due to overexposure to the sun, tanning booths, or other UV sources. UV rays damage skin cell DNA, creating the genetic mutations that lead to the development of cancerous cells.

Environmental and lifestyle factors also play a role in skin cancer development. Air pollution can encourage the development of cancer. Many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like automobile or industrial exhaust, road paving, and wood or cigarette smoke are carcinogenic. In addition to being carcinogens in their own right, PAHs penetrate the skin barrier more readily when a person is exposed to UV rays at the same time.

Genetic factors also play a role. Light-skinned people are significantly more at risk for skin cancer than darker-skinned people, though anyone of any skin color can develop skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

Generally, there are three most common types of skin cancer, though there are additional rarer varieties as well.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It often develops after years of UV exposure from sunlight or indoor tanning. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the head, neck, and arms. They are often either flesh-colored or pink, and can be a round growth, bump, or patch of skin.

SCC can develop from non-cancerous tissue called actinic keratoses, which are caused by sun damage. These keratoses are most common in people with fair skin, and should be monitored to prevent development into BCC.

BCC needs to be treated early as it can grow deep and cause permanent damage.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The second most type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can form on any part of the body that gets frequent sun exposure: the face, ears, neck, shoulders, and arms, for example. In contrast to BCC, SCC may be more noticeable to sufferers. It can present as a red bump, a sore, or a scaly patch of skin.

SCC also needs to be identified and treated early, as it can spread to other parts of the body in addition to causing long-term damage to the local area.

Malignant melanoma

A dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and become a life-threatening problem if left untreated. Melanoma can form on an already-existing mole or can appear suddenly. It’s most common in people with fair skin, who face a significantly higher risk than people with darker skin.

Melanoma is often identified by the ABCDE system. These describe the appearance of the melanoma:

• A for asymmetry: Most melanoma spots are asymmetrical in shape
• B for border: The border of a melanoma is often uneven, with oddly-shaped edges
• C for color: Multiple colors can indicate a mole is a melanoma
• D for diameter or dark: Large, dark moles are also melanoma indicators
• E for evolving: If a mole is changing in appearance, it may be a melanoma

Because melanoma is dangerous, any potential melanoma must be screened by a dermatologist right away.

Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are non-cancerous, scaly or crusty growths on UV-damaged skin. While not cancerous, they pose a cause for concern as they may develop into cancers, so they must be monitored closely.

Dysplastic nevus/atypical mole

Simply put, a dysplastic nevus or atypical mole is a mole that does not look like a normal mole. Like AKs, these should be closely monitored because they present a risk of developing into cancer. They’re also identified by the ABCDE system.

Other types of skin cancer

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but dangerous type of skin cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body and return after treatment. Older people with long-term sun exposure are most at risk of developing it.

Sebaceous carcinoma forms in sebaceous glands, but most commonly occurs on the eyelid and presents as a painless, round tumor. It can spread to other parts of the body and must be treated early.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare type of skin cancer that can mimic eczema, psoriasis, or a rash. It most often occurs on parts of the body that get little sunlight. Because it’s rare and can look like other skin conditions, it is often misdiagnosed.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans occurs in the dermis as opposed to the epidermis. It can look like a deep pimple or rough patch of skin. It’s rare and less dangerous than some other forms of skin cancer because it does not usually spread, but should still be treated to prevent long-term damage.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

If you notice any new spots on your skin that sound like those described above, it’s important to visit a dermatologist for a screening right away. Additionally, if you notice a mole growing or changing shape, a consultation is in order.

In general, it’s recommended that all adults get a skin cancer screening once a year.

Those with a family history of melanoma, a significant number of moles or lesions on the skin, prolonged sun exposure, or a history of skin cancer should regularly undergo skin cancer screenings. Patients of all ages can benefit from a screening, but those of advanced age should especially consider preventative screenings.

How We Perform Skin Cancer Screenings

New patients will undergo a full-body visual and photographic scan. First, your skin care provider will check you head to toe for any suspicious spots, especially on areas that are prone to skin cancer. Areas that need further investigation will be examined with a dermatoscope, a magnifying tool with a light attached. If skin cancer is suspected, a sample will be taken that same day for a biopsy. During a biopsy, a scalpel will be used to remove a small sample of skin after the area has been anesthetized with local anesthetic.

After treatment, you’ll be scheduled for regular check-ups to determine the outcome of your treatment and check for any further problem areas. These regular check-ups will focus on potential areas of concern and monitor any changes. Your doctor will determine how often you’ll need to come back, but visits every 3–6 months for the next few years are common. 

Related Treatments

We offer medical dermatology services for various skin conditions beyond skin cancer at our Prosper, Texas location.

Inflammatory conditions

We frequently handle inflammatory skin conditions such as:

• Acne
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

Hair conditions

Hair conditions of all types can be handled at Lockhart Matter. These can include:

• Folliculitis
• Hair loss or alopecia

Infectious skin conditions

A number of infectious skin conditions can be managed by a dermatologist. Examples include:

• Herpes simplex
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Poison ivy and poison oak
• Shingles
• Tinea
• Warts

FAQs

Is skin cancer becoming more common?

Unfortunately, skin cancer incidence rates are on the rise and millions of patients in the USA are treated for it every year. Most skin cancer is preventable, however, and both screening and treatment options are constantly improving.

If you have skin cancer once, are you more likely to get it again?

Yes, people who have had skin cancer are at risk of developing it again. Around 60% of patients who develop skin cancer will be diagnosed with another in the following 10 years. Patients who develop a second or third BCC or SCC are at even higher risk of developing further cancers.

Is melanoma treatable?

Melanoma is treatable, especially if it’s detected early. The earlier the detection and treatment, the less likely it is to metastasize.

Are there gender differences in melanoma outcomes?

Women tend to have both lower incidences of melanoma and better outcomes than men, but more studies are needed to understand why this is the case.

Can dark-skinned people develop skin cancer?

Yes, people of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, though it is more common in fair-skinned people.