Skin Cancer FAQs
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among Americans. Usually, a dermatologist will diagnose it by removing a spot on the skin and testing it for cancer cells. If cancer is found, you’re likely to have a lot of questions about what else you might need to do to treat it and what you can do to prevent it from recurring.
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about skin cancer, with other resources you may find helpful.
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What type of skin cancer do I have?
One of the first and most important questions is about the specific type of skin cancer. The most common type of skin cancer is non-melanoma basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the other most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. Together they account for about 99% of all skin cancer diagnoses and are highly treatable, especially when found and removed at an early stage. For many patients with non-melanoma skin cancer, surgery is all that is needed.
Melanoma, a more aggressive type of skin cancer, is the least common type but accounts for more skin cancer deaths than the other two types of skin cancer combined.
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What types of doctors will I see during my treatment for skin cancer or melanoma?
Most of the time, melanoma is diagnosed by a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions and often performs surgery to remove the tumor and a margin of tissue around it. This ensures that all the cancer in that area of the skin is removed. However, there can be cancer cells that grow into deeper layers of the skin or spread to the lymph nodes that will require additional cancer treatments by a medical oncologist.
In some cases, melanoma grows in an area where surgery isn’t possible. Radiation therapy may be used for these patients to shrink the tumor. Other cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy, are likely to be considered.
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What stage is my skin cancer?
Staging describes how large the cancer is and whether it has spread beyond the skin to lymph nodes or other areas of the body. Many skin cancers are detected early and remain localized (Stage I). For these patients, surgery may be all that’s needed. Dermatologists can even detect precancerous cells and remove them so they don’t eventually turn into cancer.
Your dermatologist will recommend that you visit with an oncologist if the cancer has grown deep into the skin, as that means it’s more likely to have affected lymph nodes. The oncologist can explain your stage and what that means for your treatment plan and prognosis.
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Will I need radiation therapy or chemotherapy?
Not everyone with skin cancer needs radiation therapy or chemotherapy. More aggressive skin cancer or later-stage skin cancers are more likely to need these treatments or others, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Radiation therapy may be recommended…
When surgery is not ideal, such as on the head or side of the nose
When nearby lymph nodes are involved
After surgery to reduce recurrence risk
To help manage symptoms in advanced disease
Sometimes, it may be necessary to combine radiation therapy with systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy to achieve the best possible outcome. Your oncologist will explain why a certain treatment may be helpful in your case.
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What are the possible side effects of skin cancer treatment?
Understanding side effects helps you prepare physically and emotionally. Depending on the treatment, side effects may include skin changes, hair loss at the tumor location if radiation is used, fatigue, localized discomfort after surgery or radiation, or other temporary effects. Your care team will explain what to expect and provide ways to manage side effects.
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How do they know if my cancer has spread?
This is a common concern. Either your dermatologist or an oncologist will run tests to be sure there is a clear margin around the tumor location. They do this to be sure the cancer is entirely removed. If the tumor was large or grew deep into the skin, imaging may be needed, as well as a lymph node biopsy to see if cancer has spread. The dermatologist or oncologist will discuss whether this is necessary.
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How can I protect my skin moving forward?
Protecting your skin from the sun is the most important thing you can do. This goes beyond sunscreen, especially if you’ve already had skin cancer. Staying out of the sun in peak hours and wearing protective clothing when you’re out are also very helpful.
You should also be sure to go to your skin cancer check-ups, whether with your dermatologist or oncologist. They will be able to identify something early and get it treated when the results are likely to be better. If you notice something between appointments that concerns you, have it checked!
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How experienced is my CCCB care team in treating skin cancer?
Living in Florida, we are more prone to developing skin cancer due to our exposure to sunny days. If your dermatologist recommends additional treatment after surgery, our oncologists are here to help. We have been caring for patients with skin cancer for over 25 years using the most advanced therapies available.
Our oncologists and advanced practice providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. We combine state-of-the-art cancer technologies with personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s medical and personal needs.
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How likely is a skin cancer recurrence?
It’s natural to worry about the possibility of skin cancer returning after treatment. The risk of recurrence depends on several factors, including the type of skin cancer, its size, depth, and location, and the stage when diagnosed.
Most skin cancers that are detected early are highly curable. However, having one skin cancer diagnosis increases the risk of developing another in the future. Your cancer care team will recommend a follow-up plan designed to monitor your skin based on your initial diagnosis and individual risk factors. Early detection of new or recurrent skin cancers makes treatment more effective and manageable.
You also need to protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Florida is a great place to be outdoors. Just be sure you’re doing it safely!
If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with skin cancer, you can schedule a consultation with the team at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way. You can request an appointment to talk with one of our cancer specialists and find a location near you.