Trusted Skin Specialists for Skin Health and Cancer Prevention in Bensalem and Warminster
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, occurring when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. There are several types of skin cancer, the most common being basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are generally less aggressive and more easily treatable. Melanoma, however, is a more serious form of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melanoma often appears as a new mole or an existing mole that changes in shape, color, or size. Risk factors for skin cancer include excessive sun exposure, tanning bed use, fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and a weakened immune system.
Types, Signs, and Risk Factors:
Common Types of Skin Cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):
- Most common type.
- Appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule.
- Grows slowly and rarely spreads but can damage local tissue.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):
- Second most common type.
- Presents as a red, scaly patch, open sore, or wart-like growth.
- Can be more aggressive than BCC and may spread if not treated.
- Melanoma:
- Most serious form of skin cancer.
- Can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark, irregular spot.
- Can spread to other organs and become life-threatening if not detected early.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer Identified by Dermatologists in Bensalem and Warminster
- New growths, moles, or sores that do not heal.
- Use the ABCDE rule to monitor moles:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
- Border: Irregular, uneven, or notched edges.
- Color: Multiple colors or changes in color.
- Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm).
- Evolving: Any changes in size, shape, or color.
- Persistent redness or swelling beyond the mole’s border.
- Itchiness, tenderness, or lesions that bleed, crust, or do not heal.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
- Skin type and color:
- Fair-skinned individuals, light hair (blonde/red), and blue or green eyes.
- Sun exposure:
- History of sunburns, especially during childhood.
- Frequent UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.
- Family and personal history:
- A family or personal history of skin cancer.
- Presence of multiple moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles.
- Immune system factors:
- Weakened immune system (e.g., from chemotherapy or organ transplant).
- Other factors:
- Anyone, regardless of risk factors, can develop skin cancer; regular skin checks and protection are essential for everyone.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatments (BCC and SCC) in Bensalem and Warminster
- Surgical Excision:
- The most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- The tumor is cut out along with some healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery:
- A precise surgical technique, often used for high-risk areas (face, ears, hands).
- Layers of skin are removed and examined until no cancer cells are detected.
- Cryotherapy:
- Freezing and destroying abnormal tissue with liquid nitrogen.
- Effective for small, superficial skin cancers.
- Curettage and Electrodesiccation:
- Scraping away the tumor with a curette, followed by burning (cauterizing) the area.
- Used for small BCCs and SCCs in low-risk areas.
- Topical Treatments:
- Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Imiquimod creams are applied to the skin to treat superficial BCCs and SCCs.
- Suitable for patients with early-stage or superficial skin cancers.
- Radiation Therapy:
- Uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- Often used for patients who are not suitable for surgery or for tumors in sensitive areas.
Melanoma Treatment Options by Expert Skin Cancer Specialists in Bensalem and Warminster
- Wide Local Excision:
- Surgical removal of the melanoma along with some surrounding healthy tissue.
- Often used for early-stage melanoma.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy:
- If melanoma has a risk of spreading, the first lymph node(s) that drain from the tumor site are removed and tested.
- Helps determine if the cancer has spread beyond the skin.
- Immunotherapy:
- Medications such as Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab boost the body’s immune system to fight melanoma.
- Used for advanced melanoma or melanoma that has spread (metastatic).
- Targeted Therapy:
- For melanomas with certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF mutation), drugs like Dabrafenib and Vemurafenib target and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Often used for advanced or metastatic melanoma.
- Chemotherapy:
- Uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Less commonly used now due to advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
- Radiation Therapy:
- May be used to treat melanoma that has spread or to reduce tumor size.
- Clinical Trials:
- Emerging therapies are continuously being researched; clinical trials may provide access to new and innovative treatments.
Additional Skin Cancer Treatments and Follow-Up Care in Bensalem and Warminster, PA
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
- Involves applying a light-sensitive medication to the skin and then exposing the area to a specific type of light.
- Used for superficial BCCs and actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions).
- Follow-Up and Monitoring:
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring for recurrence or new skin cancers.
- Sun protection and skin self-examinations are essential for long-term care.
Skin Cancer Awareness: Prevention and Early Detection
Skin cancer is highly treatable when identified early, making awareness and proactive care essential. One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to consistently monitor your skin and seek professional evaluation when changes occur. Regular visits to a dermatologist for mole checks can help detect abnormalities before they progress into more serious conditions.
While some lesions may appear harmless, subtle changes in shape, color, or texture can signal the early stages of skin cancer. Early detection of melanoma, in particular, dramatically increases survival rates, as localized melanomas have a five-year survival rate of over 98%. This is why ongoing monitoring, especially for patients with a history of sun damage or a large number of moles, is crucial.
City Dermatology emphasizes not only treatment but also comprehensive care for non-melanoma skin cancer, which includes education, prevention, and skin maintenance. In addition to clinical therapies, we provide patients with guidance on skin cancer prevention tips, including the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and seeking shade during peak UV hours.
Patients with previous skin cancer diagnoses or precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses benefit from a personalized approach that includes both medical and lifestyle interventions. We encourage everyone—regardless of age or skin tone—to take proactive steps for skin health.
With expert care and informed habits, the risk of recurrence or progression can be significantly reduced. City Dermatology is here to support your journey toward healthier skin, every step of the way. Contact us today for more information.
Proudly Serving Patients Across Bucks County Townships and Northeast Philadelphia
We proudly serve patients from townships across Bucks County, including Bensalem, Bristol, Southampton, Feasterville, Langhorne, Middletown, Morrisville, Falls, and Levittown, as well as Northeast Philadelphia ZIP codes 19154, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19136, 19152, 19111, and 19149.
We also welcome patients from townships surrounding our Warminster location, including Warwick, Warrington, Doylestown, Buckingham, New Britain, Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland, Hatboro, Horsham, and Abington.