What is skin cancer?

It’s an abnormal growth of skin cells, which is usually caused by the sun’s harmful rays.

Is skin cancer treatable?

Caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

Common types of Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common type of skin cancer.

BCC frequently develops in people who have fair skin. People who have skin of color also get this skin cancer.

BCCs often look like a flesh-colored round growth, pearl-like bump, or a pinkish patch of skin.

BCCs usually develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.

BCCs are common on the head, neck, and arms; however, they can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.

Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC are important. BCC can grow deep. Allowed to grow, it can penetrate the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.

Basal cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer.

People who have light skin are most likely to develop SCC. This skin cancer also develops in people who have darker skin.

SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens.

SCC tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back.

SCC can grow deep into the skin, causing damage and disfigurement.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent SCC from growing deep and spreading to other areas of the body.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Melanoma

Melanoma is often called “the most serious skin cancer” because it has a tendency to spread.

Melanoma can develop within a mole that you already have on your skin or appear suddenly as a dark spot on the skin that looks different from the rest.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Melanoma

Other types of skin cancer

While the skin cancer types listed above are the most common, many other types exist such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and more. If you have any skin condition that concerns you, make an appointment with Tieman Dermatology.

1584 East Common Street, New Braunfels, TEXAS 78130