Skin Cancer
If you or a loved one develops skin cancer, the good news is that it's very treatable when caught early. Work with the largest group of board-certified dermatologists in Montana at Billings Clinic to detect skin cancer and get the latest treatments.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can affect people of all skin types. It’s the most common cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Most preventable skin cancers are associated with overexposure to the sun (ultraviolet (UV) rays) or indoor tanning beds (UV lights). It’s possible to get skin cancer in areas of the body that don’t usually get UV exposure, though.
Intense or long-term UV exposure can damage your skin. The damage can trigger abnormal cells to grow rapidly on the top layer of your skin (epidermis), causing skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
The three main types of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Learn about the signs and symptoms of each type of skin cancer and when to see a doctor.
ABCs of Melanoma Detection
- A is for asymmetry
Moles with one half that looks different from the other half
- B is for border
Moles with an irregular or scalloped border
- C is for color
Moles that vary in color
- D is for diameter
Moles that are 6mm or larger (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E is for evolving
Changes such as itching, growth, or bleeding
Your Cancer Care Team
Rely on several specialists working together to treat your skin cancer. Cancer terms can be confusing. Be sure to ask questions to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. Your doctor will tailor a treatment plan for your specific cancer.
Your Billing Clinic doctors will meet weekly to talk about your treatment progress and make sure you’re getting the best possible treatment. Your team may include:
- Dermatologists
- Pathologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Nurses
These experts collaborate and coordinate your care so everyone knows your treatment plan.
Skin Cancer Treatments
You can get the most effective skin cancer treatment at Billings Clinic. Your treatment plan will depend on the skin cancer's size, type, depth, and location. Your treatment may include:
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, treats basal and squamous cell skin cancers. This technique is highly precise at removing thin layers of cancerous skin cells and boasts a high cure rate.
Billings Clinic has two specially trained dermatologists who are Mohs surgeons and remove cancerous skin tissue.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Protect yourself from skin cancer by:
- Avoiding sunburns
- Using sunscreen year-round
- Check your skin regularly for changes
- Getting a skin cancer screening from a dermatologist at least once a year
- Wear sunglasses and protective clothes to shield yourself from the sun
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