What is it?

The skin, our body's most expansive organ, is multi-layered. Skin cancer begins in the top layer, or epidermis, which is composed of squamous cells. The cancer can then penetrate the basal cells (beneath squamous cells) and melanocytes (color cells).

Skin cancer can affect anyone and can manifest anywhere on the body. It is predominantly found on areas which have been overly exposed to ultraviolet light from sources such as the sun, sunbeds, and solar lamps. The Buckeye Dermatology team has vast experience in treating skin cancer across all skin tones and types. It's crucial to monitor any new or developing spots or bumps on your skin that vary in shape, color, size, or texture. If there are any spots or bumps on your skin that itch, bleed, crust or ooze, or if you observe any unusual or suspicious areas, we urge you to contact us and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation. 

In addition to your yearly skin check with a board-certified provider at Buckeye Dermatology, you can conduct regular self-examinations using the ABCDE method. Consult a dermatologist without delay if a spot or mole exhibits:

• A - Asymmetrical shape
• B - Irregular borders
• C - Color variation across different areas
• D - Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
• E - Evolution in size, shape, or color since the last inspection

You can decrease your risk of skin cancer by reducing your exposure to the sun and shielding your skin from UV rays. Remember to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ as part of your every day skin care routine.

How is it treated?

If you suspect you may have skin cancer, our medical team will inspect the concerned area. If it appears potentially cancerous, we'll proceed with extracting a sample for further examination. This procedure, known as a skin biopsy, enables us to have the sample examined by a pathologist at our onsite lab. Our lab boasts full accreditation from the College of American Pathologists, signifying it adheres to the highest standards for quality and precision.

Microscopic analysis in our lab will ascertain whether your tissue is benign (normal, non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If found to be cancerous, our skin cancer specialists will diagnose the exact type of cancer and devise a personalized treatment strategy. At Buckeye Dermatology, we diagnose and treat a wide range of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and sebaceous cell carcinoma.

Our medical team, with clinics in Springfield, Grove City, and Dublin, Ohio, possesses specialized training and certification in various skin cancer treatments. These include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As part of the DOCS Dermatology Group, our medical practice also has access to pioneering clinical trials for cancers that are less responsive to conventional treatment.

Remember: Early detection is vital to a successful treatment plan.