There are three primary forms of skin cancer, each of which typically develops in the epidermis, or outermost layer of skin. These are the three most common types of skin cancer:

This form of cancer typically appears in areas of skin that get significant sun exposure. It may appear as a bleeding or scabbing sore, a flat lesion that looks brown or flesh-colored, or a pearly or waxy bump. As suggested by the name, basal cell carcinoma forms in the basal cells, which are responsible for producing new skin cells as old skin cells die off. Basal cell carcinoma is not especially fast-moving and it does not often spread to other systems or parts of the body. It should still be treated as soon as possible, however, as it can be locally destructive.

Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma tends to form in areas of the body that endure direct sun exposure, such as the face, hands, and neck. It tends to manifest as a red, scaly bump or a flat lesion with a crusted surface. This form of skin cancer develops in the squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of skin. Faster-moving than basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can damage underlying tissues—including bone—or can spread to other organs if left to progress.

Sun damage can also result in the development of actinic keratosis, a rough lesion considered to be “pre-cancer.” While the cells in a so-called AK are not malignant, an untreated lesion can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma over time.

While melanoma only makes up about 1 percent of skin cancer diagnoses, it is much more aggressive than both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer starts in cells that produce the pigment melanin, known as melanocytes. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including skin that hasn’t been exposed directly to the sun, which indicates that it may have a genetic component. Melanoma is an aggressive and fast-moving cancer that can rapidly spread to other systems, structures, and areas of the body. A positive outcome depends on identifying it, diagnosing it, and starting treatment for melanoma as soon as possible.

There are multiple other, more rare types of skin cancer, including Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous (skin) lymphomas, Kaposi sarcoma, skin adnexal tumors, and sarcomas.

Skin cancer is a highly treatable condition, especially if detected and treated early. Because of this, it is essential that patients perform regular self-examinations and seek medical assistance as soon as they notice a change or cause for concern.

When it comes to skin cancer, NY’s Hudson Dermatology offers a variety of treatment options. The ideal treatment option for a patient will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of skin cancer, location, and depth, as well as patient preference.

Here are some of the most effective skin cancer treatment options available at Hudson Dermatology:

Typically utilized for small areas of skin cancer detected early, this method involves freezing cancerous bumps and lesions with liquid nitrogen.

This treatment process typically begins with an injection of a local anesthetic, after which the physician scrapes away abnormal tissue with a surgical tool called a curette, then cauterizes the area to minimize bleeding.

This is a fairly straightforward and frequently utilized skin cancer treatment option, during which the physician physically cuts out the cancerous tissue and a certain amount of healthy skin adjacent to cancer.

This is a popular and highly effective treatment choice for cancers that occur in highly visible, delicate, or difficult to heal areas such as on the face, hands, or below the knee. During the Mohs surgery process, a specially trained dermatologist removes the cancerous lesion one thin layer at a time, examining each layer under a microscope to ensure that the entire cancerous growth is removed. If any cancer cells are detected in a layer, another layer will be taken, focusing on the specific area where malignant cells are spotted. In this way, all of a lesion’s cancerous cells can be reliably removed—without cutting away excess skin. Hudson Dermatology’s Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD, FACMS, is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgery. He is one of the first physicians in the world to earn board certification in Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgery. Dr. Zeltser has been performing Mohs in the Hudson Valley since 2007. He is one of the top Mohs surgeons by case volume experience in New York State.

For more information about skin cancer, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s page on the condition.

Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, and choosing the right treatment is crucial. Dermatologists have long had numerous treatment options at their fingertips. At the moment, Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) and Mohs Micrographic Surgery are two that are in somewhat opposing corners. Here, we compare these treatments, detailing the pros and cons, and explain why Hudson Dermatology chooses not to offer SRT at this time.