There are three different types of skin cancer: basal, squamous and melanoma.
o Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): the most common type of skin cancer, especially for fair-skinned individuals with a history of intense, intermittent sun exposure and sunburns. BCC’s typically develop in areas of sun-exposure (head, neck, and upper back) and rarely metastasize.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): typically develops in individuals with a history of chronic or intense, intermittent sun exposure, however, can also develop in patients who are immunosuppressed, have chronic inflammation, or even the HPV virus. Patients who have had multiple pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) are also more prone to develop SCC’s.

Melanoma (MM): melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers and is responsible for 75% of the deaths associated with skin cancer because of its ability to metastasize. It can occur anywhere on the body with the highest incidence on the back, chest, arms and legs. Although melanoma can be fatal, if found early and removed it is extremely curable. Please see us for skin exams!

During a skin cancer screening, or skin exam, our trained Dermatologist, Dr. Saini examines every part of your skin that you are comfortable exposing. We provide a private, stress-free environment, and are trained in recognizing and diagnosing benign and malignant lesions. We gather a full medical history, especially focusing on previous dermatological conditions, which helps focus our exam. We will address any questions or concerns you are having, as well as identify any existing conditions. Most adults are seen once-twice annually for a skin exam. However, if you have a lesion that is new, growing, changing, not healing, or you have concerns about, please come see us sooner.

The type of skin cancer you have determines the type of treatment you must have for its removal. Invasive basal, squamous, or melanomas must be removed surgically. Superficial basal or squamous type tumors can be treated with surgery, topical chemotherapy creams, cryotherapy, or electrodessication and curettage. Dr. Saini will discuss all of the appropriate options with you and come up with a plan based on your individual needs.

All moles are NOT cancerous. In fact, most cancers do NOT arise from a mole, but rather appear anywhere in sun-exposed skin. If ever you have a mole that is growing rapidly, changing, or does not look like the rest of your moles, please come see us for an exam! And always remember the ABCDE’s guide for moles (A- asymmetric (shape), B- border (irregular), C- color (changing), D- diameter (large), E- evolving (changing).

A). Seek shade: Limit your exposure to UV light and avoid intense sunlight, especially between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

B). Wear a hat: Protect your scalp, forehead, ears, eyes and nose which receives direct sun exposure.

C). Avoid tanning beds: tanning beds produce intense UVA and UVB exposure which contributes to and increased risk of developing skin cancer and irreversible damage.

D). Wear sunglasses: UV-blocking sunglasses help protect the delicate skin around the eye as well as the eyes themselves from the sun. This decreases your risk of cataracts, melanoma and unwanted aging (wrinkles) around the eyes.

E). Clothing: Long sleeved shirts, pants, rash-guards and other clothing also protect the skin while enjoying yourself in the sun. Certain Brands such as “Coolibar”, “Columbia” and more, have fabric with UV protection that are light-weight and protective. Adding “Sun Guard” to your laundry detergent can also insert an SPF of 30 to your clothing for up to 7 washes.

F). Sunscreen: choosing a zinc-based sunscreen that you like and will wear daily is extremely important! Zinc oxide blocks the widest spectrum of UVA and UVB rays, protecting the skin from premature aging and sunburn. Make sure it has zinc!

G). Take supplements: Vitamin B-3 (nicotinamide) decreases 23% of non-melanoma skin cancer in patients with a history of skin cancer and helps repair cell damage caused by radiation. Heliocare (polypodium leucotomos) provides the equivalent of a 3-5 SPF to the skin and decreases the risk of Skin Cancer.