There are a variety of other conditions or cutaneous malignancies that may result in skin cancer. Most of these are easier to treat than melanoma and may include:
Basal cell skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and overall the most common type of cancer in humans. In the U.S., almost 4 million cases are diagnosed each year. They originate from the lowest layer of the epidermis, the basal layer. BCCs result from DNA damage directly from sunlight or indoor tanning. They usually arise in skin exposed to sunlight and rarely spread, but if left untreated, they can become locally destructive.
BCCs can present as scaly pink/red flat areas or bumps that are itchy, painful, bleed, or won’t heal. In patients with darker skin types, BCCs can be brown.
Most BCCs can be cured with surgery. In many cases such as lesions on the head and neck, Mohs surgery is an option.
Your team of experts may include:
- A dermatologist for a skin exam and biopsy to diagnose the condition. Often, an in-office procedure is performed to remove the growth.
- Head and neck surgeon or surgical oncologist for resection if deeper structures like bone or lymph nodes are involved.
- Radiation oncologist for possible radiation therapy for aggressive cancers.
- Oncologist if the disease is very extensive or has metastasized (spread elsewhere in body).
Squamous cell skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. In the U.S., about 1 million cases are diagnosed each year. They originate from the squamous layer of the epidermis. SCCs usually occur due to DNA damage from sunlight. They usually arise on sun exposed skin. Less commonly, they may form on genital skin, hands and feet, and in scars or chronic wounds. People with light skin, hair, and eyes who have had extensive sun exposure are at highest risk for SCC. Organ transplant recipients and those with certain types of leukemia have higher risk of developing SCCs.
SCCs can present as scaly pink/red patches or bumps, open sores, or wart like growths. They may be itchy, painful, bleeding, or non-healing lesions.
When detected early, SCCs are easily and successfully treated with surgery. If neglected, they may enlarge to become disfiguring, spread to lymph nodes or other organs, and even be deadly. For advanced cancers, treatment may require exploration/removal of lymph nodes, radiation, or even systemic therapy (immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or chemotherapy).
Your team of experts that treat SCCs may include:
- A dermatologist for a skin exam and biopsy to diagnose the condition. Often, an in-office procedure is performed to remove the growth.
- Head and neck surgeon or surgical oncologist for resection if deeper structures like bone or lymph nodes are involved.
- Radiation oncologist for possible radiation therapy for aggressive cancers.
- Oncologist if the disease is extensive or has metastasized (spread elsewhere in body).
Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome
Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS) are types of lymphoma of the skin called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). These are rare cancers where abnormal T cells grow in the skin. T cells are part of the immune system that protect our cells from viruses or ones that have become cancerous.
CTCL can cause red rashes, thicker plaques, and sometimes skin tumors. They may be red, purple, brown, or even lighter in color compared to surrounding skin. One may see a combination of different lesions and can present anywhere on the body, although commonly it appears in areas not exposed to the sun. In more severe cases, it can present as a red rash on large area of the body, called erythroderma.
Although difficult to cure, CTCL is treatable.
Your team of experts that treat CTCL may include:
- A dermatologist for a skin exam and biopsy to diagnose condition and manage if only limited areas of lymphoma.
- Hematologist/oncologist for additional blood tests, imaging studies, possible bone marrow tests, and chemotherapy.
- Radiation oncologist for possible radiation therapy for treat the cancer.
Kaposi sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare skin cancer that originates in cells that line blood or lymph vessels. It is caused by a virus called human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Most patients with KS have a compromised or weakened immune system such as HIV or due to organ transplantation. Less commonly, KS develop in patients in certain regions of the world such as the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
KS lesions range from flat pink areas to dark violet nodules on the skin, mouth, or other mucosa. In advanced cases, KS may involve internal organs.
The team may include:
- A dermatologist for skin exam and biopsy to diagnose condition.
- Infectious disease expert for management of underlying condition like HIV/AIDS.
- Oncologist for systemic treatment like chemotherapy.
- Radiation oncologist for possible radiation therapy to treat the tumors.
Our team at Sylvester is involved in clinical trials when conventional or typical therapies are not effective.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has reaffirmed us as South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center. We have been recognized for our scientific leadership, our commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers and providers, as well as our engagement with the communities that we serve. For patients, this designation translates into greater access to leading-edge treatment options, including clinical trials that prioritize your specific cancer.
World-class skin cancer surveillance and detection clinic. Earlier detection options and more accurate diagnoses allow us to identify skin cancer when it is most treatable.
Multidisciplinary care teams. You’ll have your cancer assessed and treated by a full team of skin cancer professionals. It adds up to personalized care focused on providing you with an optimal quality of life.
Immunotherapy clinical trials. You’ll have access to the most advanced treatment options in South Florida.
Treating more skin cancers than other providers in our region. Because we see so many patients with skin cancers, we have the experience needed to provide better outcomes with fewer potential complications.