Skin cancer is not one disease. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma behave differently and require different treatment decisions.
Once pathology establishes the diagnosis, the next step is choosing treatment based on cancer type, size, depth, location, and overall health, then building the appropriate surveillance plan.
Types of Skin Cancer and Treatment Options
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It often appears as a pearly bump, nonhealing sore, scar-like patch, or recurrently bleeding spot. It usually grows locally and rarely spreads to distant sites, but untreated tumors can become destructive.
Different types of basal cell carcinoma can be treated in different ways, including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, scrape-and-burn treatment (curettage and electrodesiccation), topical medications, and light-based treatments in selected cases.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a scaly or crusted bump, tender growth, thickened plaque, or nonhealing ulcer. Some tumors have a meaningful risk of recurrence or spread, especially when high-risk features are present.
Melanoma
Melanoma can arise in a preexisting mole or appear as a new pigmented or occasionally nonpigmented lesion. Early diagnosis is critical because melanoma can spread beyond the skin.
When should I be evaluated?
Make an appointment for a new or changing growth, a sore that does not heal, unexplained bleeding, rapid growth, or a mole with concerning ABCDE features.
Diagnosis typically requires examination and, when appropriate, biopsy.
Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatment
Borealis Dermatology offers Mohs micrographic surgery for appropriate skin cancers on a scheduled basis. Your dermatologist will determine whether Mohs, standard excision, another treatment, or referral is best for your diagnosis.
Visit our skin cancer treatment page in Surgical and Procedural Dermatology for more information.
Once a skin cancer is diagnosed, review Skin Cancer Treatments for excision, Mohs surgery and other procedural options.
Related reading from Borealis
Explore these articles for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.