|
|
|
|
 |
Home - Medical Dermatology -
Skin Cancer - Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
SKIN CANCER IN SOUTH FLORIDA
"NON-MELANOMA" SKIN CANCER
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) (300,000 to 400,000 cases per year)
This is by far the most common form of skin cancer. While reviewing the photos, notice the “pearly” or “shiny” quality of these skin tumors; this is characteristic. These lesions occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on sun exposed areas (face, arms, and legs).
| Risk Factors: |
Total hours in the sun (over a lifetime). |
| Prognosis: |
Almost never fatal; almost never metastasize; but locally destructive. |
| Treatment: |
Small procedures performed in the office are usually sufficient to treat this slow-growing cancer. |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) (80,000 to 100,000 cases per year)
This is the second most common form of skin cancer. These lesions commonly occur on the face, scalp, lips or ears. A good rule of thumb is that a sore that doesn’t heal (for more than a month) should be considered a skin cancer until proven otherwise.
| Risk Factors: |
Total hours in the sun (over a lifetime). |
| Prognosis: |
Rarely fatal; rarely metastasize; but locally destructive. |
| Treatment: |
Small procedures performed in the office are usually sufficient to treat this cancer. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, a squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize. However, this is not common, and early treatment virtually eliminates this risk. |
|
|
|
