Skin Cancer Specialist
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Latham Dermatology
Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Latham, NY
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting more people than every other type of cancer combined. Skin care expert, Christine Yang-Finnin, MD, at Latham Dermatology in Latham, New York, provides skin cancer screening and treatment. Call today, or make an appointment using the online booking button to schedule your skin cancer screening.
Skin Cancer Q & A
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that forms on your skin. Though it most commonly occurs on areas of your skin exposed to sunlight, the abnormal cells associated with skin cancer can also grow on areas that don’t see the sun, such as the soles of your feet or in between your toes.
Skin cancer can affect anyone and any skin tone. You should check your skin regularly for growths and changes, and call Latham Dermatology right away if you see anything suspicious.
What are the most common types of skin cancer?
There are three common types of skin cancer. Knowing the type of skin cancer you have helps Dr. Yang-Finnin target her treatment.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on the sun-exposed areas of your skin, such as your face or neck, and looks like a pearly bump or flat skin-colored lesion. This type of skin cancer isn’t fatal, but it can damage the tissue around the lesion.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma also often develops on areas of your body exposed to the sun, such as your face, hands, or ears. It can appear as a red bump or a scaly lesion.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious of all the types of skin cancer. If not caught early enough, melanoma can be deadly. This type of cancer can occur on any part of your body, including areas not exposed to the sun. Melanoma may look like a misshapen mole.
What causes skin cancer?
Skin cancer develops from a mutation in the DNA of your skin cells, which causes the cells to grow quickly and form into a cluster of cancer cells. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or a tanning bed, is the most common cause of the DNA change and the development of skin cancer.
How is skin cancer treated?
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, location, your age, and health. Dr. Yang-Finnin conducts a thorough examination when evaluating your skin so she can create your individualized treatment plan.
Common treatments include:
Freezing
Dr. Yang-Finnin may be able to destroy or remove small skin cancer lesions through cryosurgery, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin so it falls off naturally.
For high-quality dermatology care where you come first, call Latham Dermatology, or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.
