Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer happens when skin cells grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. This can form a tumor that may look like a new spot, bump or patch on the skin. Most skin cancers are linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It can appear anywhere on the body, including areas that don’t get much sun.
At LifeBridge Health, our team diagnoses and treats all major types of skin cancer, including:
Whether you’ve noticed a new spot or already have a diagnosis of skin cancer, we provide clear guidance, personalized treatment options and supportive follow-up care.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Skin cancer may look different depending on the type. Common warning signs include:
- A new growth, bump or spot
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A spot that changes in size, shape or color
- A mole that looks different from others
- A rough, scaly or crusted patch
- A shiny or pearly bump
- A firm, red nodule
- A dark lesion with irregular borders
If you notice any of these, schedule an evaluation with a trained provider.
How Skin Cancer is Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with a careful skin exam and may include tests to confirm the cancer type and guide treatment planning.
Skin Exam
Your provider closely examines the area of concern and checks the rest of your skin for other spots that may need attention. They may ask about your sun exposure and personal or family history of skin cancer.
Skin Biopsy
A small sample is removed and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to confirm skin cancer.
Imaging
Some skin cancers—especially melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma—may need imaging tests or lymph node evaluation to help with staging and plan treatment. Tests may include ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET scans depending on your situation.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
At LifeBridge Health, skin cancer care is coordinated by a multidisciplinary team that includes dermatologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and supportive care. We work together to recommend treatment options based on your cancer type, location, stage, overall health and personal preferences.
Your care plan may include:
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. Options include:
- Simple excision: Removes the cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue
- Mohs surgery: Removes thin layers of tissue and checks each layer until no cancer cells remain
- Curettage and electrodessication: Scrapes away the cancer and uses a controlled electrical current to destroy remaining cells (often used for small, early cancers)
Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells while helping protect nearby healthy tissue. It may be recommended:
- When surgery isn’t the best option due to the tumor location, medical conditions or personal preference
- After surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in certain higher-risk situations
- For symptom relief in advanced cases (for example, pain, bleeding or pressure caused by a tumor)
Types of radiation therapy we may use:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Radiation is delivered from a machine outside the body to the treatment area. Most skin cancer radiation is given this way.
- Photon therapy: The most common form of EBRT. Photons are X-rays that can treat many skin cancers effectively.
- Brachytherapy (internal radiation): Radiation is delivered close to the skin cancer using a temporary applicator placed on or near the treatment site. This option may be considered for certain locations and situations.
Your radiation oncologist will design a customized plan, explain what to expect and coordinate care with your full treatment team throughout therapy.
Topical or Local Therapies
Some early or surface-level cancers can be treated with:
- Prescription creams that help the immune system target cancer cells
- Cryotherapy, which freezes and removes abnormal tissue
- Photodynamic therapy, which uses light-activated medication to destroy cancer cells
Systemic Therapies
Some advanced or aggressive skin cancers need treatments that work throughout the body such as:
- Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system find and attack cancer cells
- Targeted therapy, which focuses on specific changes inside cancer cells
- Chemotherapy, which uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. This approach is less common today but may still be appropriate in select cases.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.