Different Types of Skin Cancer
The three major skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. All three are seen after significant sun exposure. We specialize in early detection and education programs after a full body examination. Dr. Kivett also conducts skin cancer treatment/removal procedures on all three.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma from higher up in the skin layers affects over 1 million Americans per year. SCC develops, for the most part, in the outermost layers of the skin. Most of the Squamous Cell Cancers do not travel into internal organs unless the patient’s immune system compromised, the SCC begins in an unusual place, it originates in areas of trauma many years previously, or is stimulated by things other than the sun, such as toxins or other chemicals.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common cancer of any kind in humans is basal cell carcinoma and over 3 million patients per year in the United States have this. BCC develops, for the most part, in the outermost layers of the skin. Most of the basal cell cancers do not travel into internal organs.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a different actor than its counterparts. It is seen in over 100,000 patients per year in the U.S. There is a relatively smaller margin of safety in not detecting this early. The origin of these cells is the spinal cord of the embryo, that is, in nerve cells. These are deposited in the skin to serve as radiation sponges to protect the rest of the skin and the deeper tissues from the sun. They also comprise deposits which form into what we routinely refer to as moles.
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Dr. Kivett accepts new patients with various insurances or as self-pay. HMO patients first require a referral from their doctor. If you have a medical emergency, please dial 911 right away.