Skin cancer is currently one of the most common types of cancer. Today, about 1 in 5 people in the United States will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is, that if detected and treated early, most types of skin cancer have very high cure rates and long-term outcomes. Our practitioners at Houston Skin are experts in prevention, diagnosis, and skin cancer treatment, giving patients the best chance at a cure, whether facing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma.
The team of board-certified dermatologists at Houston Skin encourages you to contact us today to schedule your annual skin check or if you suspect you might have skin cancer.
The 2 Most Common Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and often looks like a pimple that doesn’t go away. It may also look like a rough, pink spot or even a flesh-colored growth. BCC develops from skin cells found within the basal layer of the skin and can grow in various patterns anywhere on the body.
While basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, some people may have more aggressive growth patterns. However, this type of skin cancer typically doesn’t spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes. If you suspect that you have basal cell carcinoma, Houston Skin encourages you to consult with one of our practitioners because it will not resolve on its own if left untreated.
What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cells are found at the bottom of the epidermis and are responsible for creating new cells when old cells die. When a mutation in these cells occurs, it causes them to multiply and grow rapidly. Eventually, these cells will accumulate to form a cancerous sore or lesion.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma:
- Ultraviolet light
- Chronic sun exposure
- Radiation therapy
- Fair skin
- Sex (men are more likely to develop BCC than women)
- Age (Most BCCs develop in people over the age of 50)
- Family history of skin cancer
- Immune-suppressing drugs
- Exposure to arsenic
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which affects more than 200,000 Americans each year. SCCs often look like a scaly red spot or lesion that will not heal. SCCs develop from the squamous-type cells found in the skin. Early detection is key when treating SCC because this type of skin cancer grows faster than basal cell carcinoma and can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma develops when the squamous cells located in the outer layer of the skin develop errors in their DNA. Usually, new cells slough off older cells, but these errors prevent this, causing the cells to grow rapidly, resulting in carcinoma.
The risk factors associated with developing squamous cell carcinoma include:
- Ultraviolet light
- Fair skin
- Excessive sun exposure
- Use of tanning beds
- History of sunburns
- Presence of pre-cancerous lesions
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Rare genetic disorder
Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment
Surgical Treatment
With a surgical treatment, the goal is to remove the skin cancer completely. At Houston Skin, our board-certified dermatologists are experts in several innovative techniques that ensure the best outcomes for our patients, including excision, Mohs surgery, curettage, and electrodesiccation. Our facility is also equipped with an in-house accredited Mohs lab to provide our patients the most comprehensive and efficient treatment possible.
Topical Medications
Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge technique that harnesses the patient’s own immune system to help fight the cancer, using a topical cream called Imiquimod. Additionally, topical medications, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, Carac, Fluoroplex, or Efudex), Diclofenac gel (Voltaren, Solaraze), Imiquimod cream (Aldara, Zyclara), or Ingenol mebutate gel (Picato), may be recommended. These medications are applied to the skin to kill the cancer cells in the affected area.
Cryosurgery
When using this advanced technique, the cancer is frozen. Freezing effectively destroys the treated area, causing the cancer to slough off.
Chemotherapy
If the skin cancer has spread throughout the body, chemotherapy may also be administered orally, intravenously, or by injection to destroy all diseased cells.
Photodynamic Therapy
With photodynamic therapy, a chemical is applied to the affected area for several hours in this two-part treatment. After that, the area is exposed to a special light, which successfully eradicates the abnormal cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is usually reserved for older patients who have large areas of skin cancer or have cancerous cells in an area that is hard to treat or remove. With this cancer treatment, the skin cancer is gradually destroyed through repeated exposure to radiation.
Meet The Team
Our Houston team of Board-Certified Dermatologists and licensed skin care providers brings a wealth of experience and a passion for healthy skin. With extensive clinical experience and the highest levels of training, our doctors are committed to delivering exceptional care and achieving optimal results for every patient. We prioritize your comfort and safety, promoting a positive and reassuring experience throughout your journey to vibrant skin. We’re honored to be your trusted provider of quality medical dermatology care and your partners in achieving and maintaining your skin’s health.
Contact Houston Skin for Basal Cell & Squamous Cell Treatment
Schedule a basal cell & squamous cell treatment consultation at one of our convenient Houston Skin locations today. Our board-certified dermatologists will provide a personalized assessment and recommend the ideal treatments to help you heal and remove skin cancer. Call now or schedule a consultation online to take the first step towards a more confident, radiant you.
