Do you know that over-exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer? Since your face is more exposed to the sun, it is the most susceptible to cancer. There are many forms of skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These cancers can range from very small; some can present as superficial lesions treated by cryotherapy or topical applications. Other cancers involve invasive tumors that may spread to various parts within your body and may need extensive surgical resection. A doctor may also suggest chemotherapy or radiation depending on the severity of the cancer. Therefore, if you experience skin lesions on your face that do not heal, you should take that seriously, and find a suitable facility for facial reconstruction in Scottsdale promptly.
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What is basal cell carcinoma?
This is a superficial and slowly growing nodule that starts from some specific epidermal cells. They arise from keratinocytes that are found near the basal layer. These are at times called basaloid keratinocytes. While metastasis is rare, local growth can be very destructive, and a biopsy is needed for diagnosis. The treatment depends on the tumor’s characteristics, and it may involve curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, surgical excision, topical chemotherapy, or occasionally, radiotherapy. Sometimes drug therapy would be required.
Signs and symptoms
- Nodular, which are small, firm, shiny, and translucent nodules with telangiectasia on the face
- Superficial pink or red marginated thin capsules on the trunk that are usually hard to differentiate from localized dermatitis
- Morpheaform – these are flat indurated plaques. They may be light red with vague borders
- Pigmented basal cell carcinomas
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
This is also abbreviated as SCC. Skin cancer starts in the squamous cells, found on the outer layer of your skin. This type of cancer usually arises when there are changes in the DNA of your cells. Therefore, they mutate uncontrollably. It is thought to be the second most common form of skin cancers. People with this type of cancer develop red, scaly patches, have open sores or warts. The growths can grow anywhere but most likely in the areas that are most exposed to the sun. While this may not always be a big concern, it can be life-threatening when it goes untreated. These growths will get bigger and spread to other body parts if untreated.
What is melanoma?
This cancer develops in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin. Cancer can form in your eyes and inside your body, including the throat and nose. To date, doctors do not know what exactly causes this cancer, but excess exposure to ultraviolet rays or tanning lamps may cause this cancer.
To prevent these cancers, you need to limit your exposure to ultraviolet rays. However, there is a treatment for these. At Arizona Ocular & Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dustin Heringer, MD, will perform a successful skin cancer removal. Book your appointment to learn more about skin cancer.