Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but when detected early, it is highly treatable. Here in Northeast Ohio, melanoma rates are approximately 14% higher than the national average, making regular skin checks and early detection especially important.

At Apex Skin, our dermatology specialists provide comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and skin cancer treatment and surgery for patients across Northeast Ohio. Apex Skin cares for patients at every stage of skin cancer care—from routine screenings and spot evaluations to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring.

100,000+ skin cancers treated by
Apex Skin specialists

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Find the Right Care

Not every skin concern requires the same type of care. Use the options below to find the service that best matches your needs.

Have a spot you're concerned about?

SPOTcheck Program

Have suspicious skin cancer addressed quickly through Apex Skin's SPOTcheck program, designed to help patients get timely answers and peace of mind.

Learn About SPOTcheck

Due for a skin cancer screening?

Full-Body Skin Exams

Routine skin cancer screenings help detect concerning changes early—often before symptoms become more serious.

Understand Skin Cancer Screenings

Need skin cancer treatment?

Mohs Surgery & Advanced Care

Apex Skin offers comprehensive skin cancer treatment options, including Mohs skin cancer surgery for eligible skin cancers.

Learn About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. The good news is that many forms of early stage skin cancer are highly treatable when detected early.

Regular skin exams and prompt evaluation of changing spots can help identify concerns before they become more advanced. People who have previously had skin cancer are also at a greater risk of developing additional skin cancers in the future, making ongoing skin monitoring especially important.

Know the Signs

What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

Signs of skin cancer can appear in many different ways, which is why it's important to pay attention to any new, changing, or unusual spots on the skin. While not every concerning spot is cancerous, it is always best to have changes evaluated by a dermatologist.

Common Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

  • A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
  • A sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
  • Bleeding, itching, or painful spots
  • Scaly or crusted patches of skin
  • New growths or spots that look different from others
  • Dark streaks under fingernails or toenails

The ABCDE Guide to Melanoma Detection

The American Academy of Dermatology developed the following ABCDE guide to help identify warning signs specifically associated with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

A
AsymmetryOne half of the mole does not match the other.
B
BorderEdges appear irregular, blurred, or uneven.
C
ColorThe spot contains multiple colors or uneven pigmentation.
D
DiameterThe mole is larger than 6 mm, although melanomas can also be smaller.
E
EvolvingThe spot changes in size, shape, color, or appearance over time.

Any new, changing, or unusual spot should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

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Understanding the Diagnosis

Types of Skin Cancer

All Apex Skin dermatologists provide preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services for skin cancer. The majority of skin cancer types diagnosed during skin checks fall into three primary categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with an estimated 3.6 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year. These cancers develop in the basal cells located in the deepest layer of the epidermis, near hair follicles and sweat ducts.

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the skin over time and can trigger the growth of basal cell carcinoma. These cancers are typically slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body when detected early.

Basal cell carcinoma can appear in several different ways, helping patients better understand what skin cancer looks like:

  • Pigmented bumps that resemble moles with a pearly border
  • Raised pink or pearly white bumps with visible blood vessels
  • A sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
  • Flat, scaly patches with a waxy appearance or blurred edges

Many basal cell carcinomas bleed easily or fail to fully heal. Approximately 85% develop on the face and neck due to frequent sun exposure.

Risk Factors

Fair skin Long-term sun exposure Tanning bed use Age 50 and older Previous radiation exposure

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer, with approximately 1.8 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year. These cancers develop in the upper layers of the epidermis and often appear as crusted, scaly, or inflamed patches of skin that may become tender or prone to bleeding.

Squamous cell carcinoma can develop almost anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and on the genital area, but it most commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face, ears, and backs of the hands.

This type of skin cancer is most common in fair-skinned, middle-aged, and older adults with a history of long-term sun exposure. In some cases, squamous cell carcinoma develops from actinic keratoses—rough, scaly precancerous lesions caused by cumulative sun damage.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include:

Chronic sun exposure Fair skin Older age History of Tanning bed use Precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratoses

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, but it is considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly to other areas of the body if left untreated. It is also one of the most common cancers diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 25 and 29.

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells found in the bottom layer of the epidermis that produce melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. Because of this, melanomas often appear as dark brown or black spots on the skin.

Melanomas frequently resemble moles and may develop within existing moles, helping demonstrate what skin cancer looks like in its early stages. They can spread quickly to internal organs and the lymphatic system, making early detection especially important. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.

Common Warning Signs

Melanoma may appear as:

  • A changing mole
  • A new dark or irregular lesion
  • A spot that changes in size, color, or shape
  • A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes painful

Risk Factors

Significant sun exposure, especially during childhood Family history of melanoma Fair skin History of blistering sunburns Tanning bed use

Regular self-examinations and annual skin checks can help identify melanoma early, when treatment is most effective.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Melanoma is diagnosed through a biopsy. Treatment recommendations vary based on the stage and depth of the melanoma and may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other advanced treatment approaches.

Apex Skin also participates in annual Melanoma Monday awareness efforts focused on prevention and early detection.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Skin cancer treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including the type of skin cancer, how advanced it is, and where it is located on the body. At Apex Skin, our dermatology specialists provide personalized treatment plans designed to effectively treat skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered one of the most effective skin cancer treatment options for many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, nose, and scalp.

During Mohs surgery, skin cancer is removed layer by layer while the tissue is examined under a microscope throughout the procedure. This approach allows surgeons to precisely map and remove skin cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Learn About Mohs Surgery
Apex Skin's Mohs Surgeons Achieve
99%
cure rate for eligible skin cancers treated with Mohs surgery.

Other Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Depending on the type, size, depth, and location of the skin cancer, additional treatment options may include:

❄
Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancerous or precancerous tissue.

✂
Curettage and Desiccation

An Apex Skin provider removes the tumor using a specialized instrument and applies an electric current to destroy remaining cancer cells.

☢
Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be recommended for tumors that are difficult to treat due to their size, location, or recurrence.

💊
Prescription Medicated Creams

Certain superficial skin cancers and precancerous lesions can be treated with prescription topical medications applied at home over several weeks.

➕
Surgical Excision

Surgical excision removes the cancerous tissue along with a margin of surrounding skin. The area is then closed with stitches to promote healing.

ⓘ Treatment recommendations vary from patient to patient, which is why early evaluation and diagnosis are so important.

Prevention & Ongoing Skin Health

While not every form of skin cancer can be prevented, protecting your skin and scheduling regular screenings can help reduce risk and improve early detection.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

1
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
2
Avoid tanning beds
3
Seek shade during peak sun hours
4
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
5
Perform regular self-examinations
6
Schedule annual skin exams with a dermatologist

People with fair skin, significant sun exposure, a family history of skin cancer, or a personal history of skin cancer may benefit from more frequent screenings and ongoing monitoring.

Skin Cancer Resources & Education

Learn more about skin cancer symptoms, prevention, early detection, screenings, and skin cancer treatment through Apex Skin's educational resources.

Watch & Learn

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Still have questions?

Common Questions About Skin Cancer

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer can appear as a changing mole, scaly patch, sore that will not heal, pearly bump, or new dark spot on the skin. Because skin cancer can appear in many forms, any new or changing lesion should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

When should I schedule a skin cancer screening?

Adults with significant sun exposure, fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or a history of tanning bed use should consider regular skin cancer screenings. Annual skin exams can help detect skin cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.

What is the most effective skin cancer treatment?

Skin cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include cryosurgery, surgical excision, topical medications, radiation therapy, or Mohs surgery for eligible skin cancers.