REFINE DERMATOLOGY BLOG

Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cancer and Treatment Options

By Dr. Jill Salyards, Owner & Founder of Refine Dermatology in Knoxville, Tennessee

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. While that statistic can sound alarming, there is encouraging news: when detected early, skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play a critical role in protecting not only your skin but your overall health.

At Refine Dermatology in Knoxville, Tennessee, we believe patient education is a powerful tool. Understanding what skin cancer looks like, the different types, and the treatment options available can help you feel more informed and empowered about your skin health.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s exposed to environmental factors—especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation—every single day. Over time, sun exposure can damage skin cells, leading to abnormal growth and, eventually, skin cancer.
Routine skin checks, both at home and with a board-certified dermatologist, are essential for catching skin cancer early. Many skin cancers begin subtly, often appearing as small changes that are easy to overlook.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Most Common Skin Cancer

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It arises from the basal cells in the lower layer of the epidermis and typically develops in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears, and scalp.
Although basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can continue to grow locally. If left untreated, it can cause significant tissue damage and, in some cases, affect nearby structures.

What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Basal cell carcinoma can appear in several ways, including:
 
● A pearly or shiny bump
 
● A pink or flesh-colored patch that slowly enlarges
 
● A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly scabs over
 
● A small indentation with raised edges

Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer. Common treatment options include:

 
● Surgical Excision: The cancer is removed along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal.
 
● Mohs Surgery: Mohs is a specialized, tissue-sparing technique often used for high-risk areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, and lips. The cancer is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope in real time, preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
 
● ED&C (Electrodesiccation and Curettage): For certain superficial basal cell carcinomas, the lesion is carefully scraped and cauterized.
 
● Topical Medications: In select cases, topical treatments such as imiquimod may be appropriate.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops from squamous cells, which make up the outer layer of the skin.

While many squamous cell carcinomas are treatable, SCC carries a higher risk of spreading than basal cell carcinoma, especially when tumors are larger or located in high-risk areas.

What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:

 
● Scaly or rough patches
 
● Crusted or wart-like bumps
 
● Tender or painful lesions
 
● Areas that bleed easily or don’t heal

High-risk locations include the ears, lips, scalp, and hands.

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Treatment varies based on the tumor’s characteristics:

 
● Surgical Excision: Often the first-line treatment, especially for well-defined tumors.
 
● Mohs Surgery: Recommended for high-risk tumors, recurrent lesions, or cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas.
 
● ED&C or Topical Therapies: May be appropriate for early or superficial squamous cell carcinomas.
 
● Radiation Therapy or Systemic Treatment: In more advanced cases, treatment may involve radiation or collaboration with oncology specialists.

Melanoma: The Most Serious Type of Skin Cancer

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body. It develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment in the skin.
Early detection is absolutely critical for melanoma, as treatment outcomes are significantly better when caught early.

What Does Melanoma Look Like?

Melanoma often appears as a new or changing mole. Dermatologists commonly use the ABCDE rule to identify warning signs:

 
● A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
 
● B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
 
● C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven pigmentation
 
● D – Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (though smaller melanomas exist)
 
● E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color

Any mole or spot that looks different from others or changes over time should be evaluated.

Treatment Options for Melanoma

Treatment depends largely on the stage at diagnosis:

 
● Surgical Excision: Early-stage melanomas are treated with surgical removal, often with a wider margin of healthy skin.
 
● Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: For deeper melanomas, this procedure helps determine whether the cancer has begun to spread.
 
● Advanced Treatments: More advanced melanomas may require immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation, typically in collaboration with oncology specialists.

Actinic Keratosis: Precancerous Skin Lesions

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AKs) are rough, scaly spots caused by cumulative sun damage. While they are not cancer, they are considered precancerous because they can progress into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

AKs commonly develop on the face, scalp, forearms, and hands.

Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis

Managing actinic keratosis early is an important step in skin cancer prevention. Treatment options include:

 
● Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen.
 
● Topical Medications: Such as fluorouracil, which targets abnormal cells over a treatment period.
 
● Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A light-based treatment designed to selectively destroy precancerous cells.

The Importance of Early Detection and Regular Skin Exams

While skin cancer is common, the good news is that early detection saves lives. Regular full-body skin exams allow dermatologists to identify suspicious lesions before they become more serious.

You should schedule a professional skin exam if you notice:

● A new or changing spot
● A lesion that doesn’t heal
● A mole that looks different from others
● Any growth that bleeds, scabs, or feels tender

Expert Skin Cancer Care in Knoxville, Tennessee

At Refine Dermatology, our goal is to provide expert, compassionate care at every step—from screening and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. As a board-certified dermatologist, I’m here to guide you through the process so you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care.
If you have concerns about a spot on your skin or are due for a routine skin check, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Your skin health today plays a vital role in your long-term well-being.

Early detection makes all the difference!