There are two main varieties. They include:

Basal and Squamous Cell Cancer

These are the most common types; curative treatment is typically straightforward and very effective. However, if these cancers are not detected early, they can lead to disfigurement.

Melanoma

This aggressive form is the cause behind most deaths. This is because it can quickly spread to other parts of the body and vital organs. 

As with all cancers, early detection is key to finding the disease when it is most beatable. Watching for signs is one of the important aspects of treatment. We recommend having regular screenings annually. In addition, it’s vital to be on the lookout for the earliest signs of cancer. 

An easy way to remember these signs is to think of ABCDE.

A Stands for Asymmetrical

Does one half of the mole or spot look like the other? If the two sides are not mirror reflections of each other, then you should bring this to our attention for further examination.

B Stands for Border

Cancer has an irregular border. The border may also be difficult to find (poorly defined) and even appear scalloped.

C Stands for Color

If the spot has various shades of color, it needs to be investigated. Be on the lookout for shades such as black or brown, as well as patches of white or red. 

D Stands for Diameter

Typically melanoma is about the size of a pencil eraser or even larger. However, melanomas can be discovered when they are smaller than this. The sooner they can be discovered, the better your outcome will be. 

E Stands for Evolving

Does your mole or spot change over time? Has it grown larger or has the border become “muddled?” Any transformation on a mole or spot is cause for concern. To determine whether or not it’s cancer, see one of our cancer doctors. 

Those who are at greater risk of developing cancer of the skin are those who:

• Are Caucasian
• Have red or blonde hair
• Have a lot of freckles
• Have blue or green eyes
• Use tanning beds (we never recommend tanning beds!)
• Are 50 or older
• Rarely tan and often burn
• Have had a previous skin cancer
• Have a suppressed immune system

We explore this topic more in-depth in our blog, “Skin Cancer: Are You at Risk?”

The type of cancer treatment you will need depends upon many factors, including the type of cancer, its size, and how far it has advanced. The most common ones at our cancer treatment center include:

• Cryosurgery: With this technique, our doctors will freeze the cancer off by using liquid nitrogen. 
• Surgical removal: Our doctors can cut out the cancerous tissue. Depending upon the stage of cancer, some additional tissue around it may need to be removed as well. 
• Mohs surgery: If you have cancer in a place that is difficult to reach—particularly on your face—you’ll need this type of specialized surgery because it preserves as much of your skin as possible. You can read more about Mohs surgery.

If your cancer has advanced, you may need to seek additional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. 

At our treatment center with CMC Dermatology, we have successfully treated skin cancer in Horry County residents from Conway, Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding areas. How successful cancer treatment is depends upon several factors, including the type of cancer and at what stage it was discovered.

As we mentioned before, early detection is crucial, and that’s why we recommend having an annual cancer screening, particularly if you are in a high-risk group.

However, when examining melanoma, the average five-year survival rate is 94 percent. If the cancer was detected earlier, that figure jumps to 99 percent.