Skin Cancer Evaluation

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when you have an abnormal growth of skin cells. It develops from a mutation in skin cell DNA. This mutation causes your skin cells to grow at an abnormal rate, creating a lesion or tumor.

DNA damage typically occurs from exposure to UV light. Skin cancer most often develops on areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure. Protecting your skin with sunscreen and clothing may reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. 

What are the types of skin cancer?

There are many types of skin cancer, including:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and often develops on areas of skin that get high levels of sun exposure. With BCC, you may develop a waxy bump, scar-like lesion, or bleeding skin growth. BCC almost never metastasizes.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Signs and symptoms of SCC include the appearance of red nodules or scaly lesions on your skin. SCC also develops on areas of skin that get high levels of sun exposure, but can also develop from the Human Papilloma Virus. Immune compromised patients are at higher risk to develop SCC and should be regularly examined. Although much less common than Melanoma, SCC can metastasize and lead to a fatal outcome.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC. However, this type of skin cancer is the deadliest and you can develop lesions anywhere on your body, including areas never exposed to the sun. 

A change in the size, color, or shape of a mole or the appearance of a new mole may be signs of melanoma.

Any skin lesion or growth benefits from an evaluation with the experts at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center. They specialize in the examination of moles, also known as nevi, and provide the answers and treatment you need. 

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

When you visit Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center with concerns about skin cancer or an odd-looking skin growth, your dermatologist conducts a full skin evaluation.

During your consultation, your r doctor reviews your personal and family medical history and closely examines your skin from head to toe. If your dermatologist finds any abnormal skin lesions, they use their DermLite® dermatoscope to evaluate the lesion.

Your dermatologist may perform a biopsy and send the skin sample to pathology for a formal diagnosis. 

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment for your skin cancer depends on the type of skin cancer you have and the size and location of your lesion. 

The dermatologists at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center are experts in medical and surgical dermatology. They treat all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, carcinoma, and pre-cancerous lesions. 

The surgical experts also perform Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer removal.

To schedule your full skin evaluation, call Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center or request an appointment online today. 

We see patients for botox, fillers, acne scars, skin tightening, neck wrinkles, brown spots, and offer Radio frequency Microneedling, Threadlifting, coolpeel laser that can help treat sun damage with one day recovery and no down time. Call us to book your appointment today.


We offer Same day dermatology appointments in Washington, DC. Call us to book your appointment today.