The Approach to Skin Cancer Treatment at RUSH MD Anderson
A skin cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. At RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center, you’ll have a team of specialists by your side, helping you find the most effective treatment options.
Our experts focus on early detection and ongoing skin checks, along with advanced treatments. They include targeted therapies, immunotherapy combinations and minimally invasive procedures such as Mohs surgery, which removes cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and when it’s found early, it’s often highly treatable.
It starts when skin cells grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. This is often linked to damage from ultraviolet rays — like those from the sun or tanning beds — which can build over time.
Not all abnormal cells cause problems, but some can become cancerous and spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body, if not treated early. That’s why early detection is so important.
Signs of Skin Cancer
One of the key signs to watch for is anything on your skin that’s new or changing — especially if it’s changing quickly, like growing noticeably over a few weeks or months. You should also pay attention to spots that don’t heal or look different from the rest of your skin.
Other common signs to look for include:
- Any spot that is rapidly growing or changing (within weeks to months)
- A sore that bleeds, scabs or doesn’t heal within a few weeks
- A mole that looks uneven or asymmetrical (one half doesn’t match the other)
- A mole with multiple colors or shades
- A mole with edges that appear irregular, jagged or not well-defined
- A spot that is tender and growing
If you notice any of these changes, talk to your doctor. They can help determine what’s normal and what may need to be checked.
Meet our skin cancer care providers
Skin Cancer Tests and Treatments
At RUSH MD Anderson, you’ll have access to a full range of advanced treatments for all types of skin cancer. Your dermatologist — and other specialists — will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and needs.
Depending on your type of skin cancer, your care plan may include one or more of the following:
- Skin biopsy. The first step in treatment is usually a biopsy, in which your dermatologist takes a small sample of the lesion. The biopsy allows your dermatologist to confirm your suspected diagnosis.
- Surgery to remove the cancer. Your doctor may recommend surgery. The surgery will likely remove the cancer and a small amount of healthy skin around it.
- Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is a precise technique that removes cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, making it ideal for sensitive areas like the face. During the procedure, the cancer is removed in thin layers, with each layer examined under a microscope. If cancer cells remain, only the affected areas are removed. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you’re awake and comfortable throughout. Once all cancer is cleared, the wound is repaired, often during the same visit.
- Standard excision. For less sensitive areas, a standard excision may be recommended. This involves a surgeon who will remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy skin to help ensure all cancer is removed. The tissue is sent to a lab to confirm clear margins, and the wound is stitched closed. This procedure may be performed by a dermatologist or other surgical specialists.
- Excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy. For melanoma or certain high-risk skin cancers, treatment may include a sentinel lymph node biopsy along with an excision. During the procedure, a dye is injected near the tumor and traced to the nearest lymph node, which is removed and tested to see if the cancer has spread. The tumor is removed at the same time. This procedure is done in an operating room under local or general anesthesia and may take a few hours.
- Photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy involves a drug that binds to cancer cells, which is then activated by a blue light to destroy the targeted cells on the surface of the skin. This can be used to treated pre-cancers or very early basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas on the skin.
- Topical therapy. Some surface-level skin cancers can be treated with prescription, topical medications, such as creams or liquids applied directly to the skin.
- Advanced melanoma treatments. For melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, RUSH MD Anderson offers advanced therapies including immunotherapies. This includes tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), which uses a patient’s own immune cells to help target and fight melanoma cells.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and it’s highly treatable if caught early. It usually appears on the face or other areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun.
It can appear as any of the following:
- A flesh-colored, pearl-like bump
- A pinkish patch of skin
- A sore that scabs over and reopens
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it is also highly treatable when found early. In some cases, it can grow more quickly and spread to other parts of the body, if not treated.
It can appear on the face or other areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun. It may sometimes occur in other areas, especially in people with darker skin.
You may notice:
- A scaly red patch
- An ulcer that heals and reopens
- A firm red bump that may be tender
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common but more aggressive than other skin cancers. If caught before it spreads, it can be treated, but it’s difficult in its advanced stages.
It can show up in different areas, depending on the person. In men, it’s often found on the face or torso. In women, it’s more common on the legs or torso. In people with darker skin, it’s more likely to develop on the palms or soles of the feet.
Melanoma can appear as any of the following:
- A new, growing dark spot on your skin
- An existing mole that changes in color or appearance
- A pink spot that is growing quickly
If you notice any skin changes that match the descriptions above, make an appointment with a dermatologist. If your insurance requires it, you may need to get a referral first from your primary care provider.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer
A skin cancer exam usually starts with a full-body check by your dermatologist. You’ll change into a gown so your skin can be examined from head to toe, including your scalp, face, ears, trunk, arms, legs, nails and areas typically covered by clothing. A magnifying tool, called a dermatoscope, may be used to take a closer look at any spots that seem unusual.
If your dermatologist sees a spot that could be skin cancer, they may recommend a biopsy during the same visit. This is a simple procedure where a small sample of skin is removed after the skin is numbed. There are a couple of common ways this is done:
- Shave biopsy: A tiny razor is used to remove the top layer of the spot. It heals on its own and usually doesn’t require stitches.
- Punch biopsy: A small, circular tool removes a deeper sample of skin. It may require one or two stitches.
After a biopsy, a bandage is placed over the area, and the sample is sent to a pathologist to check for cancer.
The Stages of Skin Cancer
After a skin cancer diagnosis, your doctor assigns a stage to show how advanced it is. Staging helps guide treatment and gives information about prognosis, including the chance of your cancer coming back.
Most skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and many melanomas, are found early. Early-stage cancers are often easier to treat and less likely to return.
For melanoma, staging plays a key role in treatment decisions:
- Early-stage melanoma is usually treated with surgery, followed by regular skin exams.
- Later-stage melanoma may require additional testing, such as lymph node checks and treatments like immunotherapy or radiation.
A key part of melanoma staging is how deep the cancer grows into the skin, called Breslow depth. Melanoma that’s on the top layer is called stage 0, or in situ. If it grows deeper, that depth helps determine the stage and treatment plan.
If there are signs the cancer may have spread, imaging or lymph node testing may also be used.
Getting a Second Opinion From RUSH MD Anderson
Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Consider a second opinion from RUSH MD Anderson. A second opinion can help you explore all your options and begin treatment with confidence and clarity.
RUSH MD Anderson offers easy access to second opinions, including free virtual intake visits with our knowledgeable nurse navigators for anyone in Illinois.
Choosing RUSH MD Anderson for Skin Cancer Treatment
- Improved outcomes: Our skin cancer experts specialize in some of the most advanced skin cancer treatments, which have helped improve outcomes for people who have skin cancers, including metastatic melanoma.
- Expertise in advanced-stage skin cancers: RUSH MD Anderson’s experienced team of skin cancer specialists sees a high volume of patients for the treatment of melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancers. But thanks to breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, our team has helped improve the overall outlook for patients. Now, with either combination targeted therapy or combination immunotherapy, overall survival rates at one year are over 80%.
- Leading-edge treatments: Our dermatologists offer some of the most advanced skin cancer treatments available. These include Mohs surgery, one of the most effective treatments for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Mohs surgery preserves more healthy skin and leads to less scarring than traditional skin cancer removal. We also provide advanced treatments, such as a genetically modified virus that targets and destroys cancer cells, along with aggressive immunotherapies.
- A team equipped for complex cases: If your skin cancer is complicated or in a delicate area, you may need surgeons with special expertise. Our plastic surgeons and head and neck surgeons have expertise in skin cancer removal procedures that preserve your appearance and ability. They’ll work closely with you and your care team as needed.
- Convenient locations: People treated for skin cancer have an increased risk of it coming back, so regular follow-up screenings are important to catch any changes early. That’s why we offer access to screening and prevention at a number of convenient locations. We have locations in Chicago, Oak Park, Lisle and Oak Brook, as well as Rush Skin Cancer º£½ÇÔ´´ and Pinnacle Dermatology, which has about 20 locations throughout the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana.
- One of the nation's top cancer centers: U.S. News & World Report has ranked º£½ÇÔ´´ among the top 50 hospitals in the country for cancer care.
FAQs About Skin Cancer
Limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the most important ways to reduce your risk. Try to avoid sunburn and long periods in direct sun, especially when it leads to red, irritated or blistering skin.
If you spend time outdoors, wearing a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers your arms and legs helps block UV rays. You can also choose UPF clothing for added protection and use sunscreen regularly on any exposed skin.
Yes. Skin cancer risk builds over your lifetime, and much of the damage often happens during childhood and young adulthood. Even if you don’t spend much time in the sun now, it’s important to still protect your skin with sunscreen, hats and protective clothing to prevent further damage.
Yes. If you’ve had skin cancer before, you’re at a higher risk of developing another skin cancer in the future. That’s why regular skin checks and sun protection are so important, even after treatment.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Both mineral (zinc or titanium) and chemical sunscreens work well. No sunscreen lasts all day, though, so reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. For added protection, wear a hat and sunglasses and seek shade when you can.
Yes. Skin cancer is more common in people with lighter skin tones. It’s 30 times more common in non-Hispanic white people than non-Hispanic Black people or people of Asian/Pacific Islander descent. Skin cancer is often diagnosed in later stages for people with darker skin tones. This makes it more difficult to treat.
A normal mole is usually even in shape, one color and doesn’t change over time. A mole that could be concerning may look uneven, have multiple colors or have irregular, jagged edges.
It’s also important to watch for moles that are new, changing or not healing, especially if they grow quickly or start to bleed or scab.
The right treatment depends on your specific diagnosis. Your doctor will look at the type of skin cancer, its stage and how deep the cancer goes into the skin.
For many people, treatment is straightforward. Some early skin cancers can be fully removed with a simple procedure. Others may need surgery to remove the cancer.
If the cancer is more advanced, especially melanoma, treatment may also include additional testing, medications like immunotherapy or other therapies.
Yes, side effects can happen, but they depend on the type of treatment you receive. For many skin cancer treatments, side effects are mild and may include pain, swelling or scarring where the cancer is removed. Less commonly, there can be bleeding, infection or changes in feeling if nearby nerves are affected.
If more advanced treatments like immunotherapy are needed, some side effects can include fatigue, diarrhea and a rash.
At RUSH MD Anderson, we offer cancer support services that are designed to help you and your loved ones cope with the challenges of cancer and cancer treatment.
U.S. News & World Report ranked º£½ÇÔ´´ among the best in the nation for cancer care.
