Skin Cancer Treatment in Philadelphia

Expert Skin Cancer Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people every year. Fortunately, when detected early, most skin cancers can be treated successfully. At Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up care for patients throughout Philadelphia.

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What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the skin. Most skin cancers begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, after cumulative damage alters the normal life cycle of skin cells.

The most common cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Over time, UV exposure can damage cellular DNA, increasing the risk that abnormal cells will develop and multiply.

While many skin cancers grow slowly and remain localized, others can become more aggressive if not diagnosed and treated early. This is why regular skin examinations and prompt evaluation of suspicious lesions are so important for successful skin cancer treatment in Philadelphia.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While these account for the vast majority of cases diagnosed each year, rarer forms such as Merkel cell carcinoma can also occur. Although uncommon, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is considered more aggressive and should be evaluated and treated promptly.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically develops in areas that receive significant sun exposure, including the face, scalp, ears, neck, and hands. This type of cancer tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to distant parts of the body. However, untreated lesions can continue to enlarge and damage nearby tissue.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops from the flat cells that make up much of the skin’s surface. It frequently occurs on sun-exposed skin and is more common in older adults. Although highly treatable when detected early, squamous cell carcinoma carries a greater risk of spreading than basal cell carcinoma.

Feature	Basal Cell Carcinoma	Squamous Cell Carcinoma	Melanoma
Appearance	Pearly bump, shiny nodule, scar-like patch	Scaly patch, crusted lesion, persistent sore	Irregular mole or dark spot
Common Colors	Pink, flesh-colored, translucent	Red, pink, brown, skin-colored	Brown, black, tan, blue, red, or multiple colors
Typical Location	Face, ears, scalp, neck	Face, scalp, ears, hands, arms	Anywhere on the body
Growth Rate	Usually slow	Moderate	Can be rapid
May Bleed or Crust?	Frequently	Frequently	Sometimes
Can Itch?	Occasionally	Sometimes	Sometimes
Risk of Spreading	Very low	Moderate if untreated	High if untreated
Treatment Options	Surgical excision, topical therapies, Mohs surgery	Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, radiation	Surgical excision and additional cancer therapies when necessary
Outcome When Found Early	Excellent	Excellent	Very good

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma but is considered the most serious type. It develops from pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Melanoma can spread rapidly if not identified and treated early. Prompt diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.

Skin Cancer Symptoms

Many cause few or no symptoms initially, making routine skin cancer screening especially important. However, skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer, but common warning signs include:

New growths on the skin
Changes in existing moles
Bleeding lesions
Crusting or scaling
Persistent redness
Non-healing sores
Tenderness or irritation
Changes in texture or color

The ABCDE Signs of Melanoma

When evaluating moles, dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry: One half differs from the other.
B – Border: Edges appear irregular or uneven.
C – Color: Multiple colors are present.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm, although smaller melanomas can occur.
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. While some risk factors cannot be changed, protecting your skin from UV exposure can significantly reduce risk.

Excessive sun exposure
History of blistering sunburns
Indoor tanning
Fair skin
Light-colored eyes
Numerous moles
Family history of skin cancer
Previous skin cancer diagnosis
Weakened immune system

Skin Cancer Screening in Philadelphia

A professional skin cancer screening involves a comprehensive examination of the skin from head to toe. Your skin cancer dermatologist in Philadelphia evaluates moles, growths, and lesions for signs of cancerous or precancerous change.

You may benefit from regular skin cancer screening if you:

Have a personal history of skin cancer
Have a family history of melanoma
Spend significant time outdoors
Have numerous moles
Have experienced multiple sunburns
Notice a changing skin lesion

Schedule an appointment to find out how we can treat your Skin Cancers

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How Is It Diagnosed?

Although suspicious lesions are often first noticed at home, diagnosis occurs in the dermatologist’s office.

When a lesion appears concerning, a biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. A biopsy helps determine:

Whether cancer is present
The specific type
The depth and extent of involvement

This information guides treatment planning.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

The type and stage of skin cancer play an important role in determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Your dermatologist will consider factors such as the size of the tumor, its location, the type, and whether it has spread beyond the skin before recommending treatment. Our skin cancer specialists offer four primary treatment options in Philadelphia:

Mohs Surgery

Surgery is often the first-line treatment. During the procedure, the cancerous tissue is removed along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin to help ensure complete removal. Early-stage skin cancers can often be successfully treated with surgery alone.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses carefully targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended when surgery is not the preferred treatment option or when additional treatment is needed after surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. While not commonly required for most early-stage skin cancers, it may be considered for advanced cases that have spread beyond the skin.

Photodynamic Therapy (Laser Therapy)

Photodynamic therapy combines a light-sensitive medication with a specialized light source to target and destroy abnormal cells. This treatment may be used for certain superficial skin cancers and precancerous lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The goal of treatment is to eliminate cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Early diagnosis remains one of the most important factors in achieving successful treatment outcomes.

Follow-Up Care After Treatment

Following treatment, ongoing observation is important for both the patient and dermatologist.

Patients who have developed one skin cancer have an increased risk of developing another in the future. Routine follow-up visits allow for early detection of recurrence or new lesions. Your recommended follow-up schedule will depend on:

The type of skin cancer
Treatment received
Personal risk factors
Family history
Previous skin cancer diagnoses

Why Choose Us for Skin Cancer Treatment in Philadelphia?

Our award-winning board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and long-term monitoring. Patients choose Ringpfeil Dermatology because we offer:

Thorough skin cancer screenings
Experienced dermatologic evaluation
Personalized treatment planning
Access to multiple treatment options
Ongoing monitoring from a team listed as Top Doctors on Castle Connoly

Whether you have noticed a changing mole, a non-healing sore, or simply want the reassurance of a professional skin examination, our team is committed to helping you protect your skin health through evidence-based treatment. Contact our Philadelphia office for advanced clinical treatment and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does skin cancer look like?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask. It can appear in many different ways. Some lesions resemble pimples that never heal, while others may look like rough patches, shiny bumps, open sores, or irregular moles.

A useful guideline is the “ugly duckling” sign: a spot that looks noticeably different from the surrounding skin deserves professional evaluation.

Is skin cancer curable?

One of the most common questions patients ask is whether skin cancer can be cured. In many cases, the answer is yes. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are highly treatable when diagnosed early. Melanoma can also often be cured when detected before it spreads beyond the skin. Early diagnosis remains the single most important factor in successful treatment outcomes.

Does skin cancer itch?

Sometimes. Certain skin cancers may itch, burn, become tender, or feel irritated. However, many skin cancers cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular skin examinations are important.

Is skin cancer hereditary?

Most are linked to cumulative UV exposure, but genetics can play a role. A family history of melanoma or certain inherited conditions may increase risk.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the type, stage, size, and location of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, topical medications, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Who should get a skin cancer screening?

Anyone with a history of cancer, significant sun exposure, numerous moles, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma should consider regular skin cancer screenings.

Can skin cancer be prevented?

Not all skin cancers can be prevented, but limiting UV exposure, wearing sunscreen, and scheduling regular skin examinations can significantly reduce your risk.

When should I see a dermatologist about a mole?

Our dermatologists recommend that any mole or skin lesion that changes in appearance, becomes symptomatic, bleeds, or looks different from surrounding spots should be evaluated promptly.

What can I do to help prevent skin cancer?

Sun protection remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk. Helpful preventive measures include:

Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
Reapplying sunscreen during prolonged outdoor activities
Seeking shade during peak UV hours
Wearing protective clothing and hats
Avoiding tanning beds
Scheduling regular skin examinations

Even individuals who tan easily can accumulate significant UV damage over time.