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Skin Cancer

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (both collectively known as "non-melanoma skin cancer ") and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is most prevalent, especially in lighter-skinned people. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans and it rarely spreads internally. It can be disfiguring, however, if left untreated.

Signs & Symptoms

A skin cancer might appear as a new, changing, or bleeding bump on the skin. They may be painful or completely asymptomatic. Skin cancers always exhibit growth, though many patients may not be able to recognize the change due to 1) spots being on a person's back or 2) very slow growth.

Skin cancers are most commonly pink or brown but many other colors (such as blue or skin-colored) can be seen. Melanoma is a very deadly form of skin cancer and it must be diagnosed and treated quickly to keep patients safe.

Treatment

Patients with suspicious spots should seek the care of an expert. Dermatologists typically biopsy suspicious lesions and recommend surgical or other treatment based upon the results of the biopsy. Skin biopsies are not a stressful procedure for patients because local numbing (aka anesthesia in one spot on the skin without the need to be put to sleep) is always given before the procedure is performed.

Skin surgery is also usually able to be performed with the help of local anesthesia which eliminates the inherent risks of general anesthesia to patients.

Prevention

Skin cancer, like any disease, is best prevented rather than treated. Most skin cancers can be avoided by practicing safe sun practices:
Avoid the sun exposure between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm (if possible)
Wear UPF (sunscreen) clothing, wide-brim hats, and swimwear
Use a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) on the face, ears, chest, and back of hands
Wear an appropriate amount of water-resistant sunscreen during outdoor activities
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes (UPF clothing simplifies this process)
Never use tanning beds

Reference: Perez et al. Skin cancer: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2022. PMID: 35176397.

Who We Are

Katherine Hunt, MD, FAAD

Dr. Hunt grew up in Hoover, Alabama and attended Hoover High School. She started her career in business and engineering at the University of Alabama.

As an undergraduate, she gained national attention and was named "USA Today National Academic All-Star" for creating a self-sustaining peer mentoring program which measurably improved students' computer science performance at Alabama.

Her extensive work experience at Huron Consulting Group and GE Healthcare helped her realize that she would be most fulfilled in the field of medicine, helping patients one-on-one.