Skin Cancer Treatment in Cody, WY

Understanding Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. These cancers usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. These areas are exposed to the sun, but skin cancer can occur anywhere. Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun. It is most common on the face. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell skin cancer also occurs on parts of the skin that have been in the sun, but it also may be in places that are not in the sun. Squamous cell cancer sometimes spreads to lymph nodes and organs inside the body.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Some of these risk factors are

Ultraviolet radiation
Scars or burns on the skin
Infection
Exposure to arsenic
Chronic skin inflammation or skin ulcers
Diseases that make the skin sensitive to the sun
Radiation therapy
Medical conditions or drugs that suppress the immune system,
Personal history of one or more skin cancers
Family history of skin cancer

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun and use sunscreen lotions.

Signs of Skin Cancer

If found and treated early most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can be cured. Changes on the skin are the most common signs of skin cancer. This may consist of a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an old growth. Skin changes to watch for are small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump; firm, red lump; sore or lump that bleeds or develops a crust or a scab; flat red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly and may become itchy or tender; red or brown patch that is rough and scaly. Sometimes skin cancer is painful, but usually is not.

Diagnosis and Testing

If you notice changes on the skin the doctor must find out whether it is due to skin cancer or something else. The doctor will remove all or part of the area that does not look normal by a procedure called a biopsy. This will then be sent to a lab for a pathologist to check for skin cancer. A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose skin cancer. If the biopsy shows you have cancer, the doctor will then need to know the extent or stage of the disease. The stage is determined by:

The size of the growth
How deeply it has grown beneath the top layer of the skin
Whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body

Once diagnosis and staging is done your doctor will go over treatment options with you.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

Sometimes all of the cancer is removed during the biopsy and no additional treatment is needed. Treatment for the disease depends on the type and stage of the disease, the size and place of the growth, and your general health and medical history. Treatment options include surgery, topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, or radiation therapy.

Protecting Your Health with Expert Skin Cancer Care

At Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all types of skin cancer - from early detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and long-term follow-up. Our team works closely with dermatologists and radiation specialists to ensure you receive the most effective care for your specific condition.

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