Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and it affects people of all ages and skin types. What makes it particularly challenging is how easy it is to overlook. Unlike many conditions that announce themselves with pain or obvious symptoms, skin cancer often begins as something that looks entirely harmless.
That’s why skin cancer treatment and early detection go hand in hand. The sooner a concerning spot is examined by a dermatologist, the more options you have and the better your outcome is likely to be. Regular dermatologist skin exams, protective habits, and knowing what to look for are your strongest defenses.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The right course of treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, where it’s located, how far it has grown, and your overall health. Your dermatologist will walk you through the best approach for your specific situation. Here’s an overview of what’s available.
Surgical Treatments
Simple Excision: The tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are cut away. This is a common, effective option for many skin cancers with clear borders.
Mohs Surgery: In Mohs surgery, the cancer is removed layer by layer. Each layer is examined under a microscope before the next is removed, continuing until no cancer cells remain. This approach is particularly precise and is often recommended for tumors on the face, genitals, or areas where tissue preservation matters. It achieves cure rates of up to 99% for many primary skin cancers.
Shave Excision: A blade is used to shave the growth from the skin’s surface. This technique works well for raised, superficial lesions.
Additional Treatment Options
Curettage and Electrodesiccation: Also called electrosurgery, this procedure involves scraping the tumor away with a curette, then using an electric current to control bleeding and destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Cryotherapy: Cancer cells are frozen and destroyed using liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy is typically used for precancerous growths and small, superficial lesions.
Laser Surgery: An intense beam of laser light precisely removes cancerous tissue or surface lesions with minimal impact on surrounding skin.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays target and destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Radiation is commonly used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, particularly when surgery isn’t an option.
Chemotherapy: Topical or systemic drugs are used to inhibit the division and spread of cancer cells. For basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, treatment usually involves a topical cream applied directly to the affected skin.
Photodynamic Therapy: A light-sensitizing drug is applied to the skin, then activated by a special light source. The reaction destroys cancer cells and is often used for superficial or precancerous lesions.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
One of the most important steps in skin cancer prevention is knowing what to look for. Skin cancer symptoms don’t always look alarming, which is exactly why awareness matters.
Watch for these skin cancer warning signs:
- A new mole or spot that appears suddenly
- An existing mole that changes in size, shape, or color
- A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly bleeds and crusts over
- A spot with irregular or ragged borders
- A lesion with uneven or multiple colors
- Any growth that itches, burns, or feels tender
The ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can often be identified early using the ABCDE method:
- A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- C – Color: Uneven coloring with shades of brown, black, pink, red, or white
- D – Diameter: Larger than about 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
- E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms like bleeding
If you notice any of these changes, don’t wait. Schedule an evaluation promptly.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer prevention starts with consistent, everyday habits. Even if you’ve had skin cancer before, or it runs in your family, these measures make a real difference.
Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours
UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Staying in the shade or limiting direct sun exposure during those hours significantly reduces your UV damage risk. Skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes of unprotected exposure.
Always Wear Sunscreen
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to your face and any exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories
Cover up with long sleeves and lightweight fabrics when spending extended time outside. UV-protective clothing offers an added layer of defense. Pair it with a wide-brim hat to shade your face, neck, and ears, and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the skin around your eyes.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Indoor tanning beds emit UV radiation that is just as damaging as natural sunlight, and it can be more intense. Regular use significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
Stay Aware of Skin Cancer Symptoms
Make it a habit to look over your skin monthly. Familiarity with how your skin normally looks makes it easier to spot something new or changing. When in doubt, have a dermatologist take a look.
The Importance of Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer early detection saves lives, and the best way to catch it before it progresses is through regular professional screenings.
During a full-body dermatologist skin exam, your provider examines your skin from head to toe, checking moles, lesions, and any other areas of concern. These exams can identify skin cancers and precancerous growths that you may not be able to spot on your own.
Why screenings matter:
- Many skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early
- Some cancers develop in areas that are difficult to examine yourself
- A trained eye can distinguish between a harmless spot and something worth biopsying
- Regular monitoring creates a baseline, making new or changing lesions easier to identify
Between appointments, perform monthly self-checks in good lighting, using a mirror for hard-to-see areas. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait until your next scheduled visit.
At Suncoast Skin Solutions, our board-certified dermatologists offer thorough skin cancer screenings across more than 35 locations throughout Florida. Scheduling is simple, and same-day appointments are often available.
When to See a Dermatologist for Skin Cancer
Some skin changes are worth monitoring. Others need prompt professional attention. Schedule a dermatologist skin exam if you notice:
- A new or changing mole, bump, or spot
- A lesion that bleeds, itches, or won’t heal
- Unusual discoloration or texture anywhere on the skin
- Rapid growth of an existing spot
You should also consider regular screenings if you have:
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- A history of significant sun exposure or sunburns
- Fair skin that burns easily
- A weakened immune system
- A large number of moles
Living in Florida means year-round sun exposure, which puts our patients at higher-than-average risk. We encourage you not to delay getting checked. If something looks off, it’s always worth having a professional take a look.
Schedule a skin cancer screening at your nearest Suncoast Skin Solutions location.
SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Pete / Pinellas County , Brandon, Lutz, Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, and Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Seminole, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
How often should you get a skin cancer screening?
Most dermatologists recommend a full-body skin exam at least once a year. If you have a history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, or other risk factors, your provider may suggest more frequent visits.
What happens during a dermatologist’s skin exam?
Your dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, between your toes, and other areas that are easy to overlook. If a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended to test for cancer cells.
Can skin cancer be cured if caught early?
Yes, in many cases. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are highly treatable when detected early, with excellent cure rates. Even melanoma, the most serious type, has strong survival rates when identified and treated in its earliest stages.
Does sunscreen completely prevent skin cancer?
Sunscreen significantly lowers your risk but is most effective as part of a broader approach that includes avoiding peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and steering clear of tanning beds. No single measure provides complete protection on its own.
Are skin cancer screenings covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. If a screening is prompted by a specific concern or symptom, it may be considered a medical visit and covered accordingly. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and contacting our team with any questions about your benefits.