Skin Cancer Specialist
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Elk Grove Dermatology
Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology Practice located in Elk Grove Village, IL
Nearly 9,500 people in the United States receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day. At Elk Grove Dermatology in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, our providers offer diagnostic services to identify signs of skin cancer early and delivers effective, customized treatments, including cryotherapy and laser therapy, to stop its progression. To learn more about available skin cancer treatments, book an appointment online or by calling the office.
Skin Cancer Q & A
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It results from the abnormal growth of skin cells and can affect skin anywhere on your body, but it most often appears in areas that frequently receive sun exposure.
The three main types of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This type of cancer is most common in people with fair skin, affecting the basal cell layer — the deepest layer — of sun-exposed skin. It most often appears on the face and rarely spreads to other areas of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in people with dark skin, with lesions developing on the legs and feet. In men and women with fair skin, cancerous cells develop on the face, ears, neck, and other areas of the body exposed to the sun. This type of cancer can spread to other tissue.
Melanoma
As the most aggressive form of skin cancer, melanoma often spreads to other areas of the skin. Melanomas can form anywhere on your body, even in areas that don’t receive sun exposure.
You can also develop precancerous skin cells, known as actinic or solar keratosis, which Dr. Polisky can identify and treat before they progress to melanoma.
What causes skin cancer?
Every day your skin cells die off and replacement cells grow. DNA controls this process, and when the DNA is damaged by the sun or tanning beds, it can cause the growth of abnormal tissues that form a tumor.
You may be at increased risk for skin cancer if you have:
- Moles
- Fair skin
- A weakened immune system
As you age, your body can absorb more ultraviolet radiation, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer risks may also increase if you have a family history of the condition or if you’re a smoker.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
Our providers often diagnose skin cancer by identifying new lesions on your skin. These lesions may appear as waxy or shiny bumps or flesh-colored or brown scars.
You may also notice changes to the shape or color of moles.
What treatments are available for skin cancer?
Treatment depends on the type, location, and size of the tumor. Our providers may use laser surgery or freeze the lesions using cryotherapy technology, or they may choose to remove the growth to prevent it from spreading to other tissues. You may require MOHS Surgery for the removal of your skin cancer. This procedure is performed by Dr. Bangash in our Elk Grove Village office.
Our providers also provide guidance for preventing skin cancer, including limiting sun exposure, using high-quality sunscreen daily, and avoiding tanning beds.
Schedule a skin cancer consultation online or by calling the office.
