Living in South Florida means enjoying a lifestyle filled with sunshine, boating, and outdoor activities. However, this wonderful climate also comes with a serious responsibility to be vigilant about our skin's health. Understanding the different types of skin cancer is the first and most critical step toward prevention and early detection. While discovering a new or changing spot on your skin can be an alarming experience, it is important to remember that most skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when identified early by a board-certified dermatologist. This guide will explore the most common types of skin cancer, what to look for, and the advanced treatment options available to you.
At the Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Institute (DCSI), our team, led by Dr. Mounir M. Wassef, provides expert skin cancer diagnosis and treatment for all our patients. With our main offices in Wellington and Delray Beach, we are dedicated to serving the entire Palm Beach County community with the highest possible standard of medical and surgical care. We believe that patient education is a key part of healthcare, which is why we want you to be fully informed about your skin's health and the conditions we treat.
Understanding the Spectrum of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This condition occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells, most often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunshine or tanning beds, triggers mutations. These mutations cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. While all share a common cause, there are many different types of skin cancer, each with a unique appearance, growth pattern, and treatment path.
Before It Starts: Actinic Keratosis (Pre-Cancer)
Often, before a true skin cancer develops, the skin will show warning signs of sun damage. Actinic keratosis, or AK, is the most common pre-cancerous skin condition. These lesions typically appear as small, rough, or scaly patches on the skin, often on the face, scalp, or hands. You may be able to feel them, like a patch of sandpaper, more easily than you can see them.
An AK is a direct warning sign that your skin has sustained significant sun damage, placing you at a higher risk for developing skin cancer. Because some AKs can progress and turn into squamous cell carcinoma, treating them early is a vital part of prevention. Our medical dermatology team can treat these spots simply and effectively, often with cryotherapy (freezing) or prescription topical creams, to help stop cancer before it ever has a chance to start.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer diagnosed worldwide.¹ It originates in the skin’s basal cells, which are found at the bottom of the epidermis (the outer skin layer). BCC typically develops on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, scalp, ears, and neck.
When patients ask, "What does skin cancer look like?" a basal cell carcinoma often presents in a few common ways. It may appear as a pearly, waxy, or shiny bump, sometimes with small blood vessels visible. It can also look like a flat, flesh-colored, or brown scar-like lesion without a clear cause. One of the most telling signs is a sore that bleeds, heals over, and then returns in the same spot. The good news is that BCC is typically slow-growing and rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep into the skin, nerves, and bone, causing significant local damage and disfigurement.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It arises from the squamous cells, which are the flat cells that make up most of the skin's outer layer. Like BCC, squamous cell carcinoma is often found on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, lips, and the back of the hands.
An SCC might look like a firm, red nodule that stands out from the skin. It can also present as a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface that may be rough to the touch. A key sign, similar to BCC, is a sore that won't heal or a new, raised area on an old scar. SCC is more aggressive than BCC and can, in rare cases, grow deep and spread to other parts of the body. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that more than 1.8 million cases of SCC are diagnosed in the United States each year, a number that highlights the importance of awareness.² We explore this topic in more detail in our blog about Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
The Gold Standard of Treatment in Palm Beach County
When a skin cancer diagnosis is confirmed, it is normal to feel concerned. Our team is here to guide you to the most effective and appropriate treatment, which, for many skin cancers, is an advanced surgical technique with an exceptionally high cure rate.
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
For many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, especially those on the face, head, neck, and hands, the most effective treatment is Mohs surgery for skin cancer. This is an advanced, in-office surgical procedure that Dr. Wassef specializes in.
During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the visible part of the cancer and a very thin layer of surrounding skin. While you wait, that tissue is immediately processed and examined under a microscope. If any cancer cells are found at the edges, the surgeon maps their exact location, returns to the patient, and removes another precise layer only from the area where the cancer remains. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected.
This meticulous, layer-by-layer approach achieves two critical goals: it provides the highest possible cure rate (up to 99% for new cancers) and it spares the maximum amount of healthy, normal tissue. This is especially important in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas like the nose, eyelids, lips, and ears. This commitment to precision and outcomes is why DCSI is a trusted center for Mohs surgery in Palm Beach County.
Understanding the Most Serious Types of Skin Cancer
While BCC and SCC are the most common, it is crucial to be aware of the more aggressive, though less common, forms of skin cancer.
Melanoma
While it accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer cases, melanoma is the most dangerous form because it is the most likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. This is the unfortunate answer to the urgent question, "Is skin cancer deadly?" If it is a deep, untreated melanoma, it can be, which is why early detection is truly life-saving.
Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin). It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new, dark, or unusual-looking spot on the skin. The early signs of skin cancer in melanoma are often identified using the helpful ABCDEs of melanoma guide:
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other half.
- B is for Border: The edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- C is for Color: The color is uneven, with various shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller when first detected.
- E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or is developing new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) encourages everyone to perform regular skin self-exams to spot these changes.³ If you see a spot that fits this description, the first step is to schedule an appointment for a professional evaluation. This will likely involve a biopsy, which may be a simple mole removal, to get a definitive diagnosis. Dr. Wassef is a trusted melanoma specialist for South Florida, providing expert diagnosis and treatment planning.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Though rare, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin cancer. It often appears as a fast-growing, painless, red or purplish nodule on sun-exposed skin. As the National Cancer Institute notes, it has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential.⁴ This highlights why any new, rapidly growing lesion on your skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist immediately.
Your Most Powerful Tools: Prevention and Diagnosis
Our philosophy at DCSI is founded on a comprehensive approach to skin health, encompassing both prevention and early detection.
Skin Cancer Prevention in South Florida
A proactive approach begins with smart skin cancer prevention. This means more than just using sunscreen, although that is an absolutely crucial daily habit, as we explain in our blog, "Why Sunscreen Matters." True prevention is a lifestyle that includes seeking shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and UPF-rated fabrics, and being aware of reflective surfaces like water and sand, which can intensify the sun's rays.
The Critical Role of Skin Cancer Screening
The single most effective tool you have is a professional skin cancer screening. An annual full-body exam by a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to detect all types of skin cancer in their earliest, most treatable stage. During this non-invasive, visual exam, we check your entire skin surface, from your scalp to the soles of your feet, looking for any suspicious lesions.
This exam is the foundation of an accurate skin cancer diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that when skin cancer is found early, treatment is most effective.¹ This is the core of our comprehensive skin cancer treatment philosophy. A yearly check is simple, painless, and it could save your life. This is why scheduling your annual skin cancer screening in Delray Beach or Wellington is one of the most important appointments you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Does Skin Cancer Spread?
This is a very common and understandable concern. The answer depends entirely on the type. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are typically slow-growing, developing over a period of months or even years. Melanoma, however, is very different. It can grow and spread (metastasize) much more quickly, sometimes in just weeks or months, which is why it is so dangerous and why we emphasize early detection.
What Should I Do If I Find a Suspicious Mole or Spot?
First, try not to panic. The single most important thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for a professional evaluation. It may be harmless, but the only way to know for sure is to have it examined by an expert. At DCSI, we will perform a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, take a small sample (a biopsy) to get a definite diagnosis. This is a quick, simple procedure that provides peace of mind or, if needed, a clear path to treatment.
What Makes Mohs Surgery Different From Other Skin Cancer Treatments?
Traditional excision involves removing the visible cancer plus a wide margin of healthy tissue all at once, "just in case." The wound is then stitched closed. Mohs surgery is different. The surgeon removes only the visible cancer and a very thin layer of tissue, then checks 100% of that margin under a microscope while you wait. If any cancer cells remain, the surgeon knows their exact location and removes another thin layer only from that spot. This precise, map-guided process is repeated until the cancer is completely gone. This is why it's the gold standard for many types of skin cancer on the face and head, as it provides the highest cure rate while sparing the most healthy tissue.
Your Partner in Skin Health in Wellington and Delray Beach
Understanding the different types of skin cancer empowers you to be proactive about your health and to know when to seek expert care. From your first annual exam to advanced surgical treatment, our team is here for you. Dr. Wassef serves patients from Boca Raton to Wellington, providing expert skin cancer treatment in Wellington, FL.
Don't wait if you have a spot that concerns you. Early detection is the key to simple, effective treatment. You can find our Wellington and Delray Beach office locations to plan your visit.
Contact Dr. Mounir M. Wassef and the DCSI team today to schedule your comprehensive skin exam. Book your appointment now.
Sources
- CDC. Skin Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published July 1, 2024. Accessed November 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/index.html
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Information. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Published 2024. Accessed November 2025. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin cancer: Types of skin cancer. AAD.org. Published 2024. Accessed November 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common
- National Cancer Institute. Skin Cancer (Including Melanoma), Patient Version. Cancer.gov. Published September 21, 2023. Accessed November 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin