Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cancer: Prevention and Detection

Skin cancer affects millions each year. While early detection greatly improves the prognosis, knowing the different types of skin cancer, how to detect it, and key prevention methods can help reduce risks.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears as a pearly or flesh-colored bump, often on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. While it rarely spreads, it can cause damage if left untreated.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC develops in the outer layers of the skin and often looks like a scaly, red patch or an open sore. This type can spread if not treated early, making prompt detection important.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, developing from pigment-producing cells. It often appears as an irregular mole with uneven color and borders. Melanoma can spread rapidly, so early treatment is critical.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

While some risk factors, like genetics, can’t be changed, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Use Sunscreen Daily

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours when outdoors.

Limit Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These hours are when UV rays are strongest.

Wear Protective Clothing

Hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays. The more vivid the color of your clothing, the better the protection.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Artificial UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Instead, use a tanner in lotion, spray, or wipe form.

Check Your Skin Regularly

Monthly self-exams can help detect unusual changes early. Observe mole positions, sizes, and color.

How to Detect Skin Cancer

Recognizing skin cancer symptoms early can improve treatment success. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate suspicious moles:

A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.

B – Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges.

C – Color: Uneven coloring or multiple shades.

D – Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser.

E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

It’s best to seek a professional evaluation if you notice any of these signs.

The Importance of an Annual Skin Exam

Even if you don’t notice changes in your skin, scheduling an annual skin exam with a dermatologist is essential to skin cancer prevention and detection. A trained professional can spot early signs of skin cancer that might be missed during a self-exam. At Westchester Center for Dermatology, our team provides thorough screenings to help protect your skin health.

When to Consult a Dermatologist

Regular dermatology visits are essential if you have a history of sunburns, excessive UV exposure, or a family history of skin cancer. Our board-certified dermatologists can assess any concerning spots and recommend appropriate treatments.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

If skin cancer is detected, treatment may include Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, topical treatments, or excision.

Mohs Surgery is a precise technique that removes cancerous tissue while preserving healthy skin. Meanwhile, cryotherapy freezes small, early-stage cancers.

Topical Treatments are prescription creams for superficial skin cancers. For larger or deeper lesions, skin cancer is removed through excision surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

Skin cancer prevention starts with awareness and routine checkups in Scarsdale. Whether you need a skin exam or have concerns about a suspicious spot, our Westchester Center for Dermatology team is here to help. 

One of our esteemed doctors, Dr. David Kriegel, was named an outstanding practicing doctor of New York in 2024 through MSP Communications’ peer review. The results were published in The New York Times Sunday Magazine on May 4, 2025.

Schedule a consultation today to prioritize your skin health. Westchester Center for Dermatology is also located near patients in Hasting on Hudson, Crestwood, Tuckahoe, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Harrison, Hawthorne, and Purchase.