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Skin cancer is the uncontrolled overgrowth of abnormal skin cells caused by unrepaired DNA damage triggering a mutation causing skin cells to multiply quickly, forming cancer cells. Skin cancers, especially when caught early, can be treatable.
What is it?
The skin is our body’s most extensive organ, consisting of several layers. Skin cancer typically starts from the epidermis, which is composed of squamous cells (the top layer) and can eventually penetrate the basal cells (beneath squamous cells) and melanocytes (the color cells).
Skin cancer can affect anyone and manifest anywhere on the body, particularly on skin areas that have been excessively exposed to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Midwest Center for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has a wealth of experience handling skin cancer across all skin types and shades.
Monitoring any emerging or new spots or bumps on your skin that differ in shape, color, size, or texture is crucial. If there are any itchy, bleeding, crusting, or oozing spots or bumps on your skin, or if you observe any unusual or suspicious marks, please contact us immediately and schedule an appointment for further analysis. After all, it's your skin, and it deserves your protection. Besides your yearly skin check with a board-certified dermatologist at our medical practice, you can conduct regular self-examinations using the ABCDE method. Consult a dermatologist immediately if a spot or mole exhibits:
How is it treated?
To effectively diagnose whether you have skin cancer, our board-certified providers will closely inspect the affected area. If there is a suspicion of cancer, we will extract a sample for comprehensive testing. This technique, known as a skin biopsy, enables us to send your tissue sample to our on-site dermatology clinic lab. Our lab is fully endorsed by the College of American Pathologists, signifying that it upholds the highest standards for precision and quality.
Our lab's microscopic analysis will reveal whether your tissue is benign (normal, non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If it is cancerous, our experienced providers will identify the specific type of cancer and devise a personalized treatment plan. Midwest Center for Dermatology and Skin Surgery routinely diagnoses and treats many skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and sebaceous cell carcinoma. Our medical practice serving the communities Farmington Hills, Shelby Township, and Clinton Township, Michigan, has specialized training and certification in various skin cancer treatments such as surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As part of DOCS Dermatology Group, our medical practice also has access to innovative clinical trials for cancers less responsive to conventional treatment.
Keep in mind: Early detection is vital to an effective treatment plan.