Skin cancer specialists in Jupiter explain how skin cancer develops

Although we are more educated about skin cancer today than ever before, many people who receive a skin cancer diagnosis wonder why they developed cancer. Any form of cancer is concerning, including skin cancers. These abnormal skin tissue growths, called neoplasms, can be serious. We love for our patients to be screened on a regular basis so we have more opportunity to detect any changes in skin early, and provide prompt, effective treatment to minimize the risks associated with the various forms of skin cancer.

A common type of skin cancer that is often seen on the face and neck areas is basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer, although not life threatening, as melanoma is, should be taken very seriously. It is looked at as a malignant type of skin cancer due to the fact that basal cell lesions can spread to surrounding tissues and become disfiguring if left untreated.

Slightly less common than basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer that often develops on the face and neck. It is important to treat this skin cancer as early as possible, as it is more likely to metastasize, which means it can spread to various body parts. Squamous cell carcinoma also has a higher rate of recurrence than some other types of skin cancer.

The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma. Usually appearing as a pigmented tumor on the skin, such as a mole, melanoma is a skin cancer that spreads through the blood and lymph nodes, reaching internal organs and posing a serious threat to health and wellbeing. Melanoma can be fatal, but can have a good prognosis when detected early and treated with precision.

Various risk factors can lead to skin cancer, both hereditary and environmental. These include:

Exposure to UV rays in nature, or from tanning beds.
HPV, human papilloma virus, has been identified as a risk for squamous cell carcinoma.
Immunosuppression, if the immune system is compromised due either to medical treatment or illness, it can increase the risk of skin cancers.
Genetics are a determinant in risk. Melanoma is a condition that can run through family lines.
Certain ethnicities tend to experience higher rates of skin cancers, such as those with fair skin.
Gender is also a risk factor, with women more commonly affected by melanoma than men are.

Because medical professionals and scientists have sought and gained new information on skin cancer throughout the years, we know more now than we ever have, and have more power to prevent and treat skin cancers effectively.
Dr. Vitulli is trained and experienced in the detection of skin cancers, and has the extensive background to remove cancerous lesions with great precision. Using the innovative, effective Mohs technique for skin cancer treatment,
Dr. Vitulli can accurately visualize the borders of lesions and remove diseased tissue while preserving a greater amount of healthy skin cells.

Your skin cancer specialists in Jupiter have your skin covered. Contact your dermatologist in Jupiter for a skin cancer evaluation today.

A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Dr. Peter Vitulli

A Center for Dermatology
Connect with Dr. Peter Vitulli on Linkedin.

Dr. Peter Vitulli is a highly sought-after and popular board-certified dermatology and board-certified Mhs surgeon in Jupiter. Having earned his medical degree at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of Nova SouthEastern University, he completed his residency and internship at the University of Tennessee and attended a dermatology residency program at Nova SouthEastern University. Dr. Vitulli possesses vast training and experience in all aspects of pediatric and adult dermatology and offers comprehensive treatment solutions with an interdisciplinary diagnosis approach and impeccable follow-up care. He is particularly passionate about the management of skincare. With over two decades of experience in providing exceptional surgical and aesthetic services and medical care, he holds Fellowships and Memberships with several prestigious professional associations including the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the American Society of Mohs Surgery, among others.