Dermatologist's Guide to Your Best Skin

Skin Cancer 101: Types, Symptoms, Treatment and How to Prevent

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• Most common type in the U.S.
• Typically slow-growing and rarely spreads.
• Caused by cumulative sun exposure and genetic predisposition.
• Look for: shiny pink bumps that bleed easily or flat, pink scaly patches that persist.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• Second most common skin cancer.
• Can grow more quickly and spread if left untreated.
• Causes include sun exposure and genetic factors.
• Look for: crusty patches or firm, tender nodules, often on sun-exposed areas like the face or legs.

Melanoma

• Less common, but the most dangerous.
• Rates are rising, especially among young people.
• Look for: growing or changing brown spots, often on sun-exposed skin.
• Risk factors: history of blistering sunburns, family history of melanoma, and having over 100 moles.
• Women most commonly get melanoma on the legs; men on the back.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Use this tool to evaluate moles or spots:

• Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other.
• Border – Edges are ragged or blurred.
• Color – Multiple shades or uneven coloring.
• Diameter – Larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving – Changes in size, shape, color, or texture.

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

Excision

For most skin cancers, the lesion and a margin of surrounding tissue are removed and sent to pathology.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Used for high-risk BCCs and SCCs, particularly in sensitive areas like the face. This precise technique involves removing the cancer, analyzing it in real-time under a microscope, and repeating as needed to ensure complete removal before reconstruction.

I completed my fellowship in Mohs surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, where I learned not only to remove skin cancer but also to perform the reconstruction—all in one visit.

How Does the Sun Cause Skin Cancer?

UV rays from the sun damage skin cell DNA. Your body produces melanin to protect itself, resulting in a tan. But if the DNA damage is too severe or repeated over time, mutations can occur, potentially leading to cancer.

Expert Tips on How to Minimize Your Skin Cancer Risk

• Avoid tanning beds and limit direct sun exposure.
• Don’t get sunburned. Even one blistering burn increases your risk.
• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily.
• Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Wear hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing.
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), omega-3s (fish, flax), polyphenols (tea, dark chocolate) and lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon).
• Consider oral supplements with polypodium leucotomos:
  • Isdin Sunisdin Daily Antioxidant Supplement

What Time of Day Is Sun Exposure Most Dangerous?

UV radiation peaks between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Be especially cautious around water, snow and sand, which reflect UV rays. Use tools like the EPA UV Index to check daily exposure risk.

How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen?

• Apply 15–30 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply every 2 hours—or immediately after swimming/sweating.
• I dive deeper into mineral vs. chemical sunscreens in this blog post.

Healthy Habits for Early Skin Cancer Detection

Do Monthly Self-Checks

• Check your full body, including scalp, soles, and back.
• Use a mirror or ask for help with hard-to-see areas.
• Take photos of moles to track changes over time.
• Wait a month before worrying about a new spot—if it persists or grows, get it checked.

Get a Professional Skin Exam Once a Year

• Especially important if you have risk factors like:
  • History of sunburns or tanning bed use
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • 100+ moles
• Book your next exam before leaving your dermatologist’s office

What Should I Do If I Get a Sunburn?

• Get out of the sun immediately.
• Take ibuprofen or Aleve to reduce inflammation.
• Drink plenty of water and use cool baths or ice packs.
• Apply aloe vera or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Avoid peeling and keep blisters intact.
• Topicals
  • Day Preventive Treatment helps calm inflammation and reverse some of the damage done.
  • Body Cream for dried out sun burned skin
  • Healing Balm for blisters

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Skin Cancer Questions

Q: What is the first sign of skin cancer? 

A: A spot that changes in size, shape, or color—or a sore that doesn’t heal.

Q: Is skin cancer painful? 

A: Often, no. Pain is not a reliable symptom.

Q: Can skin cancer be cured? 

A: Yes—especially when caught early and treated appropriately.

Q: How often should I check my skin? 

A: Monthly self-checks and an annual professional skin exam.

Stay proactive. Protect your skin. It’s the only one you’ve got. Learn more about how to take care of your skin at www.yourbestskin.com

 

 

These recommendations are not sponsored. They are the result of Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD evidence-based research and extensive clinical experience. 

To learn more, sign-up HERE to receive weekly educational newsletters from our founder and dermatologist, Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD.  

The information on doctorrogers.com and our social media channels, including articles, newsletters, videos, blogs and related links, are provided for general information and educational purposes only. There is no doctor-patient relationship implied and it is not a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician. Use of this information and recommended products on this site is at your own risk. Further, their use indicates your agreement with the Terms and Conditions of doctorrogers.com. There is no intent to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem through any of the information shared. Additionally, information shared here is not an extension of the medical care Dr. Rogers provides at her practice.