- Medical Dermatology
Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three main skin cancers. Caught early, they are highly treatable, and melanoma has a cure rate near 100%.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Craig Singer evaluates and treats skin cancer at his Bingham Farms practice.
Quick facts
EDC, excision, or Mohs surgery
What is Skin Cancer?
Several million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Often the exposure (e.g. sunburn) occurs years or even decades prior to the onset of the skin cancer . Those who have fair skin, blue eyes, burn easily, and have had multiple sunburns (especially blistering sunburns) during childhood, or tanning salon use are at higher risk for BCC and SCC. These forms of skin cancer may present in various ways including a non healing sore, a rapidly enlarging growth, a tender bump, an asymptomatic pink patch, and may manifest in other ways. Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are often treated with simple procedures such as electrodesiccation and curettage (scraping and burning) or surgical excision. Depending on the size and location of the skin cancer, however, mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended in order to achieve the highest cure rate with the best cosmetic result. Occasionally BCC’s and SCC’s are treated with immunotherapy or radiation.
What do BCC & SCC look like?
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma can take many forms. Clinical examples below. BCC photos courtesy of DermNet NZ.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, but if detected early, has a cure rate of nearly 100%. Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or present as a new growth on normal skin. It can also appear under fingernails or toenails, where there has been no sun exposure. Melanoma usually looks different than surrounding moles. Often, it is the “ugly duckling” on your skin. It may have abnormal ABCDE’s:
A for Asymmetry (the left side of the lesion does not look like the right side)
B for irregular Borders (e.g. notching instead of smooth round borders)
C for multiple Colors such as light brown, dark brown, pink, and black
D for Diameter greater than 6 mm
E for Evolving, growing or changing
People with blue eyes, fair skin, blonde or red colored hair, history of sunburns, tanning salon use, outdoor occupation, family history of melanoma or a history of atypical moles are at higher risk of melanoma.
Another useful technique for detecting melanoma is the “Ugly Duckling” concept: the observation that moles in an individual tend to resemble one another like siblings. Melanoma tends to look different than the rest. In other words, each person tends to have one, two or three “patterns” of moles that look similar to one another. The ugly duckling looks different than the rest and is the “outlier.” If a patient sees a lesion on their skin that looks unique, they should bring this to the attention of a dermatologist.
What does melanoma look like?
Preventing skin cancer
Preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer begins with both self-examinations by the patient and examination by a dermatologist. If you have a skin lesion that won’t heal or looks different than the rest of your moles, or you have a lot of moles, it is a good idea to schedule a visit to your dermatologist. Dr. Craig Singer routinely performs full body skin examinations for his patients using a dermatoscope in order to detect skin cancer at its earliest and most curable stage. Sometimes digital photography is used to monitor skin lesions.
Skin cancer screening and treatment across metro Detroit
- Bingham Farms
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield Hills
- Franklin
- Farmington Hills
- Metro Detroit
- Novi
- Oakland County
- Royal Oak
- Southfield
- Troy
- West Bloomfield
Skin cancer FAQs
Where to get a skin check, how often, the early signs, the common types, and how skin cancer is treated.
Skin checks & screening
Where can I get a skin cancer screening or skin check?
Dr. Craig Singer performs full-body skin examinations at his Bingham Farms office, serving patients across metro Detroit. Using a dermatoscope, he checks your skin from head to toe to detect skin cancer at its earliest and most curable stage, and sometimes uses digital photography to monitor spots over time.
How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
A yearly full-body skin exam is recommended for most adults, and more often if you have many moles or atypical moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure or tanning-bed use, or a weakened immune system.
Signs, types & treatment
What are the early signs of skin cancer?
Watch for a new growth or a spot that is changing; a sore that will not heal or that bleeds and crusts; a pearly or waxy bump; a rough, red, scaly patch; or a mole that looks different from your others (the “ugly duckling”). Bring anything new or changing that lasts more than a couple of weeks to a dermatologist.
What are the two most common types of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common skin cancers. Melanoma is less common but the most dangerous, though it is highly curable when caught early.
How is skin cancer treated?
BCC and SCC are often treated with simple procedures such as electrodesiccation and curettage (scraping and burning) or surgical excision. Depending on the size and location, Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended for the highest cure rate and best cosmetic result. Occasionally BCCs and SCCs are treated with immunotherapy or radiation.
Can you get skin cancer without sun exposure?
Yes. While sun exposure is the biggest risk factor, skin cancer, including melanoma, can also appear in areas with little or no sun exposure, such as under the fingernails or toenails. Skin cancer can occur in every skin tone, so anyone with a new or changing spot should be evaluated.
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About Dr. Craig Singer MD Dermatology
Located in Bingham Farms, Craig Singer MD Dermatology was founded in 2017 by Dr. Craig Singer, a board-certified dermatologist.
We specialize in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, treating patients of all ages, newborn through elderly. We have expertise in a wide variety of skin conditions including eczema, acne, and warts as well as complicated dermatological issues that include hair loss and autoimmune disease. In addition, we are highly skilled in the evaluation of moles and skin cancer.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Craig Singer has helped thousands of patients look and feel their best.
20+ Years
Trusted by Thousands
Board-Certified
Dermatologist & Pediatrician
