Skin Cancer

At Evans Dermatology we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. If you are concerned about a spot on your skin, the best way to put your mind at ease is to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. Not only can the provider examine the spot that you have noticed, but with your consent they can also perform a full skin exam to look for any other concerning lesions.

Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancer in the United States. People of all ages can be affected, but those who have spent substantial time outdoors or tanning are at higher risk.

There are three common forms of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common form or skin cancer, is a locally destructive type of skin cancer caused by the sun. It often presents as a slowly growing clear or bleeding bump on the skin or a non-healing sore on the sun-exposed parts of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma - the second most common form of skin cancer, is often a scaly, growing lesion and is also usually on the sun-exposed skin.
Melanoma - the most dangerous common form of skin cancer, can arise as a growing, darkening, changing, or bleeding mole. Although exposure to the sun increases the chance of getting melanoma, it can occur anywhere on the body.

Decreasing your risk of skin cancer involves:

Practicing Sun Protection: Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every 1-2 hours when outdoors. Wear a broad brimmed hat. Try to enjoy outdoor activities in the early morning or evening, when the sun is less intense.
Self-Examination: Monitor your skin and moles monthly. Call your dermatologist for any moles or spots that are growing, changing, bleeding, or concerning to you.
Examination by a Dermatologist: Get checked for skin cancer by a board-certified dermatologist. How often you should get skin checks go depends on your medical history and skin type, and should be discussed with your doctor.

Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, or if you note any change in an existing mole or freckle, see a doctor right away.

A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored
A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that:
- changes color
- increases in size or thickness
- changes in texture
- is irregular in outline
- is bigger than 6mm or 1/4", the size of a pencil eraser
- appears after age 21
A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed
An open sore that does not heal within three weeks

Information courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

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Our offices are located in Southwest Austin at 9701 Brodie Lane, Suite A-106, Austin, Texas, 78748

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