Logo Memphis

Find your location

Memphis

Memphis Location
6254 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 624-3333

Call Us Today!

Skin Cancer

You Have Options For Treating Skin Cancer

You Have Options For Treating Skin Cancer
Read More

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when damaged cells in the skin start to grow abnormally. Different types of skin cancer start from different types of cells. Caught early, skin cancers can often be removed completely.

While people with lighter skin have a higher risk of skin cancer, people with any skin type and tone can also develop it. Monitoring changes in your skin helps spot anything unusual.

Read More
Learn More About
Skin Cancer

Types of Skin Cancer

How is Skin Cancer Treated?

Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can form anywhere on the body, but most often in areas that receive the most sun exposure. If untreated, it can become destructive to the structures around it.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Another common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also forms in areas exposed to the sun or other UV light. This type of cancer, if not treated, can keep growing deeper into the skin.

Melanoma

This type of skin cancer often develops from moles or appears as new dark spots. Melanoma can be deadly because it spreads to other parts of the body. However, caught early, a melanoma lesion can be removed before it spreads.

Read More

Excision Surgery

For an excision procedure, the doctor will remove an elliptical area of skin and tissue around the lesion. The area removed will be larger than the original lesion because your doctor needs to make sure all cancer cells are gone. The area is closed with stitches, and the removed tissue is sent to a lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery preserves as much normal tissue as possible. Doctors remove one layer of skin at a time, then examine it under a microscope for cancer cells. Layers continue to be removed and studied until no more cancer cells are found. This treatment may leave a less obvious scar and has an excellent cure rate.

The best way to decrease your risk of skin cancer is to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen often needs reapplied several times per day, so make sure to follow instructions. Tanning beds harm your skin in many ways and also increase cancer risk.

People with lighter skin need to be most vigilant with these precautions, but people of all skin tones should protect their skin from cancer-causing UV exposure.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can form anywhere on the body, but most often in areas that receive the most sun exposure. If untreated, it can become destructive to the structures around it.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Another common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also forms in areas exposed to the sun or other UV light. This type of cancer, if not treated, can keep growing deeper into the skin.

Melanoma

This type of skin cancer often develops from moles or appears as new dark spots. Melanoma can be deadly because it spreads to other parts of the body. However, caught early, a melanoma lesion can be removed before it spreads.

Read More

Excision Surgery

For an excision procedure, the doctor will remove an elliptical area of skin and tissue around the lesion. The area removed will be larger than the original lesion because your doctor needs to make sure all cancer cells are gone. The area is closed with stitches, and the removed tissue is sent to a lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery preserves as much normal tissue as possible. Doctors remove one layer of skin at a time, then examine it under a microscope for cancer cells. Layers continue to be removed and studied until no more cancer cells are found. This treatment may leave a less obvious scar and has an excellent cure rate.

The best way to decrease your risk of skin cancer is to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen often needs reapplied several times per day, so make sure to follow instructions. Tanning beds harm your skin in many ways and also increase cancer risk.

People with lighter skin need to be most vigilant with these precautions, but people of all skin tones should protect their skin from cancer-causing UV exposure.

Consultations Are Available Now

Learn more about our medical and cosmetic dermatology services today. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained medical staff at Levy Dermatology will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.

Discover Our
Before And After Gallery