Skin Cancer & Surgery in Pensacola, FL

Actinic Keratoses & Precancers

Actinic Keratoses (AKs), also known as solar keratoses, are rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun exposure. They are considered precancerous lesions, which means that if left untreated, they can develop into skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma. At Pensacola Dermatology, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratoses, helping our patients manage their skin health and reduce their risk of skin cancer.

What Are Actinic Keratoses?

Actinic keratoses are common in adults, especially those with fair skin who have spent a lot of time in the sun. These lesions typically appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, neck, ears, hands, and forearms. They often feel like sandpaper and can range in color from flesh-toned to red or brown. While most AKs remain benign, the risk of progression to skin cancer makes it essential to treat them early.

Causes & Risk Factors

The primary cause of actinic keratoses is cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Other risk factors include:

• Age: AKs are more common in people over 40.
• Fair skin: People with light skin, blonde or red hair, and light-colored eyes are more prone to developing AKs.
• Sun exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to the sun without adequate protection increases the risk.
• Weakened immune system: Individuals with a compromised immune system, such as organ transplant recipients, have a higher likelihood of developing AKs.

Signs & Symptoms

Actinic keratoses typically develop slowly and may be hard to detect at first. Common signs include:

• Rough, scaly patches that may itch, burn, or feel tender.
• Discolored spots which can range from pink to red or brown.
• Thickened or raised areas on the skin, sometimes forming a wart-like texture.

If you notice persistent rough spots or patches that change in size or color, it’s essential to have them evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out the potential for skin cancer.

Treatment Options

At Pensacola Dermatology, we offer several effective treatment options for actinic keratoses and precancers. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and number of lesions, as well as your overall health.

• Cryotherapy: The most common and effective treatment option, cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to destroy visible actinic keratoses. Healing after this simple procedure takes only a week or two, and afterward a small white mark may remain.
• Electrodesiccation and Curettage: This option carefully removes actinic keratoses with an instrument referred to as a curette. After this process, your dermatologist may take extra measures to remove damaged tissue. New, healthy skin gradually appears.
• Topical Chemotherapy: Topical chemotherapy is applied to the affected areas of the skin. This may cause temporary redness, crusting or swelling until the healthy skin surfaces.
• Topical Immunotherapy: Topical immunotherapy consists of a cream that treats actinic keratoses by boosting your body’s immune system to shed diseased skin cells. Usually, it is applied at home for several weeks at a time. Temporary redness and swelling are possible.
• Chemical Peeling: This in-office, noninvasive procedure involves exfoliating the top layer of skin.

Prevention & Monitoring

Preventing actinic keratoses involves practicing good sun protection habits, such as:

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoiding peak sun hours and seeking shade whenever possible.

Regular skin checks by a dermatologist are crucial for monitoring any changes in your skin and catching potential issues early. Early detection and treatment of AKs can help prevent the progression of skin cancer.

If you are concerned about actinic keratoses or have noticed changes in your skin, request a consultation at Pensacola Dermatology today. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you maintain healthy, cancer-free skin.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for the majority of skin cancer cases. It develops in the basal cells, which are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause significant local damage if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing further complications.

Causes & Risk Factors

The primary cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Prolonged or intense UV exposure damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to uncontrolled growth. Other contributing factors include:

• Fair Skin: People with lighter skin, blonde or red hair, and light-colored eyes are more susceptible to BCC.
• Chronic Sun Exposure: People who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate sun protection have a higher risk.
• History of Skin Cancer: Individuals who have had BCC or other skin cancers are more likely to develop additional cases.
• Weakened Immune System: Those with compromised immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients, are at greater risk.

Signs & Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma typically develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, scalp, and arms. It may appear as:

• A Pearly or Waxy Bump: The bump may have visible blood vessels and be flesh-colored, pink, or translucent.
• A Flat, Scaly Patch: This may be red or brown and grow slowly over time.
• A Sore That Doesn’t Heal: A sore that bleeds, scabs over, and then reopens could be a sign of BCC.
• A Scar-Like Area: A shiny, white, or yellow area that resembles a scar may also be an indication of basal cell carcinoma.

Treatment Options

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on the size, location, and depth of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. At Pensacola Dermatology, we offer several effective treatment options:

• Cryotherapy: The most common and effective treatment option, cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to destroy visible basal cell carcinoma. Healing after this simple procedure takes only a week or two, and afterward, a small white mark may remain.
• Excision: Considered to be the most effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma, this procedure involves numbing and surgically removing the growth during an office visit that lasts approximately 20 minutes.
• Electrodesiccation and Curettage: This option consists of numbing the abnormal tissue and scraping it away with a special tool. The doctor may need to repeat the procedure, which typically takes only 5 minutes. A small white mark may remain.
• Intralesional and/or Topical Chemotherapy: Various chemotherapeutic drugs can be used either topically or injected into the skin cancer to destroy the cancerous cells.
• Topical Immunotherapy: This treatment helps use your body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: This allows a doctor to see where the cancer stops. Pensacola Dermatology does not provide this type of surgery but can refer patients to a doctor who does.

Prevention & Monitoring

Prevention is key to reducing the risk of basal cell carcinoma. Protecting your skin from UV exposure is the most effective way to prevent BCC. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.

Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are essential for the early detection of basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers. Self-examinations can also help you monitor any changes in your skin, such as new growths, sores that don’t heal, or changes in existing moles or spots.

At Pensacola Dermatology, our team is dedicated to providing expert care for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any suspicious skin changes or have concerns about your skin health, contact us today to request a consultation. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to managing basal cell carcinoma and maintaining healthy skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, following basal cell carcinoma. SCC arises from the squamous cells, which are found in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). While it is usually not life-threatening, squamous cell carcinoma can be aggressive, especially if left untreated, and may spread to other parts of the body.

Causes & Risk Factors

The primary cause of SCC is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. This exposure leads to DNA damage in skin cells, causing abnormal cell growth. Other contributing risk factors include:

• Fair Skin: People with lighter skin, light hair, and light eyes are more susceptible to SCC.
• Chronic Sun Exposure: People who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate sun protection are at higher risk.
• Tanning Beds: The use of tanning beds significantly increases the risk of developing SCC.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with suppressed immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients, are at an elevated risk of developing SCC.
• Age: SCC is more common in people over the age of 50, as cumulative sun exposure increases with time.
• History of Skin Cancer: If you’ve had SCC or another type of skin cancer, you are at greater risk of developing additional SCCs.

Signs & Symptoms

Squamous cell carcinoma typically develops on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands, and lips. Common signs include:

• A Rough, Scaly Patch: The patch may be red, crusty, or bleed easily.
• A Firm, Raised Bump: This may appear as a wart-like growth or a sore that doesn’t heal.
• A Sore or Ulcer: A persistent sore that bleeds or develops a crust can be a sign of SCC.
• Thickened, Rough Skin: Over time, the affected area may become thicker or rougher in texture.

If left untreated, SCC can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other tissues, making early detection and treatment essential.

Treatment Options

At Pensacola Dermatology, we offer a range of treatments for squamous cell carcinoma, depending on the size, location, and severity of the tumor.

• Excision: Considered to be the most effective treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, this procedure involves numbing and surgically removing the growth during an office visit that lasts approximately 20 minutes.
• Electrodesiccation and Curettage: This option consists of numbing the abnormal tissue and scraping it away with a special tool. The doctor may need to repeat the procedure, which typically takes only 5 minutes. A small white mark may remain.
• Intralesional and/or Topical Chemotherapy: Various chemotherapeutic drugs can be used either topically or injected into the skin cancer to destroy the cancerous cells.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: This allows a doctor to see where the cancer stops. Pensacola Dermatology does not provide this type of surgery but can refer patients to a doctor who does.

Prevention & Monitoring

Preventing squamous cell carcinoma involves protecting your skin from UV exposure. This includes using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. Additionally, regular skin checks by a dermatologist are crucial for early detection of any new or changing lesions.

Self-examinations are also important for monitoring your skin’s health. If you notice any persistent sores, scaly patches, or changes in existing moles or spots, it’s essential to seek medical advice.

At Pensacola Dermatology, our team is committed to providing expert care for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection is key to preventing complications and ensuring successful treatment outcomes. Contact us today to request a consultation and safeguard your skin health.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, developing in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin. While it is less common than other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma poses a greater risk because of its potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not caught early. At Pensacola Dermatology, we emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment to improve outcomes for patients with melanoma.

Causes & Risk Factors

Melanoma is primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. However, melanoma can also develop in areas of the skin not typically exposed to the sun, indicating that genetic factors can play a role in its development. Common risk factors for melanoma include:

• Fair Skin: Individuals with lighter skin, blonde or red hair, and light-colored eyes are at higher risk.
• Excessive Sun Exposure: A history of intense, intermittent sun exposure that results in sunburns increases the risk of developing melanoma.
• Use of Tanning Beds: Artificial UV exposure from tanning beds significantly increases the risk of melanoma, particularly in younger individuals.
• Family History: A family history of melanoma increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Multiple Moles or Atypical Moles: People with a higher number of moles or those with unusual, irregularly shaped moles are at greater risk.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with suppressed immune systems, such as those who have undergone organ transplants, are more susceptible to melanoma.

Signs & Symptoms

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but it most often develops in sun-exposed areas like the back, legs, arms, and face. It can also appear on the palms, soles of the feet, and under the nails. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for recognizing potential melanomas:

• A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• B for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• C for Color: The mole contains multiple colors, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• D for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
• E for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color, or exhibits new symptoms such as itching or bleeding.

Treatment Options

The treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. At Pensacola Dermatology, we offer a range of effective treatments to address melanoma at all stages.

Early detection is especially important for melanomas since this type of cancer is potentially dangerous and can spread rapidly. If you are diagnosed with melanoma, Pensacola Dermatology will develop a treatment plan based on the depth of the melanoma, whether or not it has spread, and your overall health.

Monthly skin cancer self-examinations are important precautionary measures, but nothing can replace a complete skin exam by your doctor. The medical professionals at Pensacola Dermatology can diagnose any skin-related issues, including melanoma. Schedule an appointment with Pensacola Dermatology so we can address your individual needs.

Prevention & Monitoring

Preventing melanoma involves practicing good sun protection habits, such as:

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoiding peak sun hours and seeking shade whenever possible.
• Refraining from using tanning beds.

Additionally, regular self-examinations and professional skin checks are vital for early detection. If you notice any changes in your skin or moles, it’s important to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.

At Pensacola Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for the prevention, detection, and treatment of melanoma. If you have concerns about a suspicious mole or skin change, contact us today to request a consultation. Early detection is key to successful treatment and can save lives.