Cancers and Specialties
We Treat
Treatments Tailored To You

Cancers and
Specialties We
Treat
Treatments
Tailored To You

Melanoma and Non-melanoma Skin Cancers

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. Skin cancer occurs when the outermost layer of the skin develops an out-of-control growth of cells. These are often caused by DNA damage, due to excessive skin exposure to the sun, which triggers mutations and leads skin cells to multiply and form tumors.

Our recognized leading oncologists at SCRI Oncology Partners have significant experience in melanoma including rare melanoma subtypes in addition to non-melanoma skin cancers. We offer state-of-the-art personalized care, along with a unique opportunity to participate in some of the most innovative treatments through clinical trials. We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing and unknown journey. At SCRI Oncology Partners we’re here to help guide you.

Learn more about what makes our specialized cancer care team different here.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. Skin cancer occurs when the outermost layer of the skin develops an out-of-control growth of cells. These are often caused by DNA damage, due to excessive skin exposure to the sun, which triggers mutations and leads skin cells to multiply and form tumors.

Our recognized leading oncologists at SCRI Oncology Partners have significant experience in melanoma including rare melanoma subtypes in addition to non-melanoma skin cancers. We offer state-of-the-art personalized care, along with a unique opportunity to participate in some of the most innovative treatments through clinical trials. We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing and unknown journey. At SCRI Oncology Partners we’re here to help guide you.

Learn more about what makes our specialized cancer care team different here.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?

Different types of skin cancer have different appearances, so it is important to make an appointment with a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist near you if you notice any changes to your skin that are worrisome.

Things to look for include:

  • Changes in the size, shape or color of existing moles
  • Refer to the acronym ABCDE
    • A—Asymmetry between sides,
    • B—Irregular border
    • C—Variation in color across the mole
    • D—Diameter >5mm
    • E—A lesion that is evolving or changing
  • Spots that are itchy or painful
  • Lesions that do not heal or bleed
  • Bumps that are shiny, rough or scaly spots
  • Unusual growths that have a raised border and central crust texture
  • Scar-like growths without a well-defined border

Risk Factors

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Staging

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Treatment

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Clinical Trials

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How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Typically, skin cancer presents as a suspicious spot on your skin well before any other symptoms occur. When found early skin cancer is easily treatable, so if you find a spot on your skin that looks suspicious, it is important to see your primary care provider or a dermatologist. Once you make an appointment and see a doctor, they will examine the spot and if it looks suspicious, remove all or part of it as a skin biopsy.  

A biopsy is when a small piece of tissue is removed from the body and examined to see if it contains cancer cells under a microscope.

Depending on the depth and size of the tumor in addition to any other symptoms you may be experiencing, further blood tests may be indicated such as alactate dehydrogenase and imaging to determine if the cancer has spread. 

Risk factors for skin cancer

Several factors can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. One of the primary risk factors is having fair skin, as individuals with lighter skin tones have less melanin, which provides less protection against harmful UV radiation. People with blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, and skin that freckles or burns easily are particularly susceptible.

Other risk factors include:

 

  • A history of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence
  • Excessive sun exposure. Spending considerable time in the sun without adequate protection, such as sunscreen or protective clothing.
  • The use of tanning beds or lamps, as tanning is the skin’s response to injury from excessive UV radiation.
  • The existence of precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratoses, also heightens the risk, as these rough, scaly patches can develop into skin cancer over time.
  • A weakened immune system, whether due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressant drugs following an organ transplant.
  • Exposure to radiation, especially from treatments for other skin conditions like eczema or acne, can increase the risk of developing certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma
  • Exposure to chemical substances, like arsenic

Types of skin cancer

The most common forms of skin cancer are:

    Melanoma

    Melanoma is a type of cancer that affects the cells in our skin responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. The most common form of this cancer occurs on the skin and is known as cutaneous melanoma. However, melanoma can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the eye (referred to as uveal, choroidal, or conjunctival melanoma), the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, or the sinuses (known as mucosal melanoma). Additionally, it can appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or fingers and toes, which is called acral melanoma.

    Basal cell carcinoma

    Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a prevalent form of skin cancer that originates in the basal cells, which are found in the lower part of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. BCC typically develops on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and arms. However, it can also occur on less exposed areas. Unlike melanoma, basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, but it can cause significant local damage if not treated promptly.

    Squamous cell carcinoma

    Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. SCC is most frequently found on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, neck, lips and backs of the hands, but it can also develop in other areas, including the mouth, esophagus and other internal organs. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma has a higher likelihood of spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.

    Other rare skin cancers include:

      Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

      A rare, aggressive skin cancer that primarily occurs on skin that is more likely to be exposed to the sun, including, the head, neck, arms, legs and torso. MCC usually appears as a firm, pink, red or purple lump on the skin. Typically, these lumps are painless. Because MCC is a fast-growing cancer, it can be hard to treat if it spreads to areas beyond the skin. If you notice anything irregular or abnormal, it is critical to connect with a skin cancer specialist.

      Kaposi sarcoma

      A type of cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels. It can appear on the skin as a darkish/purple-colored tumor (or lesion) or on the inside of the mouth.

      Lymphoma of the skin

      Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphocytes–white blood cells that are vitally important in the functioning of the immune system. While lymphoma commonly involves the lymph nodes, it can begin in other lymphoid tissues such as the spleen, bone marrow and the skin.

      The two main types of lymphomas are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphomas that originate only in the skin are called cutaneous lymphoma (orlymphoma of the skin).  In addition to some of the typical skin cancer treatments such as photodynamic therapies, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, cutaneous lymphoma may also be treated by stem cell transplants, immunotherapy treatments, and clinical trials involving lymphoma vaccines.

      Unfortunately, there aren’t any specific screenings available and we know very little about the risk factors for the less common types of melanoma, such as acral, mucosal, or uveal melanoma. Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor is located. For example, if you have acral melanoma, you might see a dermatologist, while mucosal melanoma might require a visit to an ENT specialist, a gynecologist, or a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist. For uveal or conjunctival melanoma, an ophthalmologist would be the right specialist to consult.

      We have experience in caring for patients with these less common types of melanoma and can offer clinical trials for those with non-cutaneous melanoma. If you need more information, please contact us.

        Staging

        Cancer staging refers to the process of determining the extent of cancer in the body, including the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other areas. Understanding the stage of cancer is crucial for doctors as it helps them assess the severity of the disease, plan the most effective treatment, and identify suitable clinical trials that could be potential treatment options. The higher the number of the stage for each patient means that the cancer is more advanced.  

        Cutaneous Melanoma Staging

        Stage 0

        Stage 0

        This means that the cancer cells are present but have not started invading into the deeper layers of the skin. This is consider “in situ” or “in place”.

        Stage II

        Stage II melanoma indicates a tumor that is deeper than stage 1 but has not spread elsewhere.

        Stage IV

        Stage IV

        This melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes, skin or internal organs.

        Stage I

        Stage I

        This indicates a thin melanoma  with no evidence that it has spread to surrounding areas, lymph node or elsewhere in the body.

        Stage III

        Stage 3

        This melanoma is a cancer that has started to spread including cancer cells in the surrounding tissue seen by microscope called “microsatellites”, deposits in the skin that you can often see or feel called “in-transit” lesions, or cancer in the nearby lymph nodes.

        Stage 0

        Stage 0

        This means that the cancer cells are present but have not started invading into the deeper layers of the skin. This is consider “in situ” or “in place”.

        Stage I

        Stage I

        This indicates a thin melanoma  with no evidence that it has spread to surrounding areas, lymph node or elsewhere in the body.

        Stage II

        Stage II melanoma indicates a tumor that is deeper than stage 1 but has not spread elsewhere.

        Stage III

        Stage 3

        This melanoma is a cancer that has started to spread including cancer cells in the surrounding tissue seen by microscope called “microsatellites”, deposits in the skin that you can often see or feel called “in-transit” lesions, or cancer in the nearby lymph nodes.

        Stage IV

        Stage IV

        This melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes, skin or internal organs.

        Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Staging

        Stage 0

        Stage 0

        This stage of skin cancer again means that the cancer cells are present but have not started invading into the deeper layers of the skin. This is consider “in situ” or “in place”.

        Stage II

        Stage II

        This melanoma indicates a tumor that is deeper than stage 1 but has not spread elsewhere.

        Stage IV

        Stage IV

        This melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes, skin or internal organs.

        Stage I

        Stage I

        This skin cancer is in the top and middle layers of the skin and has not spread elsewhere in the body.

        Stage III

        Stage 3

        This is a cancer that has started to spread including cancer cells in the surrounding tissue seen by microscope called “microsatellites”, deposits in the skin that you can often see or feel called “in-transit” lesions, or cancer in the nearby lymph nodes.

        Stage 0

        Stage 0

        This stage of skin cancer again means that the cancer cells are present but have not started invading into the deeper layers of the skin. This is consider “in situ” or “in place”.

        Stage I

        Stage I

        This skin cancer is in the top and middle layers of the skin and has not spread elsewhere in the body.

        Stage II

        Stage II

        This melanoma indicates a tumor that is deeper than stage 1 but has not spread elsewhere.

        Stage III

        Stage 3

        This is a cancer that has started to spread including cancer cells in the surrounding tissue seen by microscope called “microsatellites”, deposits in the skin that you can often see or feel called “in-transit” lesions, or cancer in the nearby lymph nodes.

        Stage IV

        Stage IV

        This melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes, skin or internal organs.

        How can skin cancer be treated?

        Skin cancer treatments depend on the stage of the cancer and the type of skin cancer. For early stage disease, local treatments can be curative. For melanoma and merkel cell carcinoma, excision or Mohs surgery is recommended. For non-melanoma skin cancers,  there are sometimes additional options such as cryotherapy, topical therapy or curettage and electrodesiccation. For melanoma specifically, immunotherapy is now offered for some patients with Stage II disease.

        If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body, treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy or chemotherapy may be offered. SCRI Oncology Partners offers both standard of care treatments and clinical trials to patients with advanced cancer.

        Skin cancer treatments may also include radiation therapy or other treatments that may be offered through a dermatologist

        If you are looking for a specialist in Nashville for skin cancer contact us at SCRI Oncology Partners to request an appointment.

        Find out more

        Melanoma clinical trials and skin cancer clinical trials

        Today’s clinical trials are tomorrow’s treatment options. A clinical trial can help determine if a treatment, drug or procedure shows a better way of treating a particular cancer or condition. At SCRI Oncology Partners we are committed to offering the latest clinical trials to improve your outcomes and ensure access to cutting-edge scientific advancements for our patients in the community.

        If you are looking for a local oncologist in Nashville, Tennessee or you are interested in participating in a clinical trial for melanoma or skin cancer through our partnership with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a global leader in oncology research, the first step is to talk to our healthcare team. 

        Find open clinical trials

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        Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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        Contact Us

        Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.

        Contact us

        Contact Us

        Whether you are newly diagnosed, previously treated or seeking additional care or research options, we are here to support you every step of the way.

        Contact us