Skin cancer involves the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often — although not always — as a result of sun exposure. Dr. Todd Helfman is an experienced skin cancer treatment provider serving those from Charlotte, Waxhaw, Union County, and other areas of North Carolina. Melanoma and other types of skin cancer are relatively common, and potentially dangerous. If you believe you may have a skin abnormality, it is important to consult with a physician immediately. All skin cancer screenings and procedures at the Charlotte Skin Institute are performed by Dr. Todd Helfman, and not by a physician's assistant or other physician.

If you believe you would like to schedule a skin cancer screening, or have reason to believe you may be in need of skin cancer  treatment, make an appointment with our dermatologist serving Charlotte, Monroe, and other areas of North Carolina for a screening.

Malignant Melanoma — Charlotte, Waxhaw, and Union County, North Carolina

While not as common as some other forms of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is the most deadly form. At our practice serving Charlotte, Waxhaw, and Union County, North Carolina, Dr. Todd Helfman provides the latest forms of melanoma treatment to help patients tackle this potentially deadly disease and regain health and well-being.

It is projected that 108,000 Americans will develop malignant melanoma on an annual basis in the coming years.

Melanoma begins in the skin cells that produce the dark, protective pigment called melanin. These cells are known as melanocytes. Because melanocytes frequently contribute to the production of melanin, the cancer usually appears as a mix of tan, brown, and black, although it may also be red or white. Because melanoma can spread to other areas of the body, early detection is especially important. This is why we urge those from Charlotte, Waxhaw and other areas of Union County, and elsewhere across North Carolina to visit us for a melanoma screening and immediate treatment if melanoma is detected.

Melanoma may appear suddenly. It may also begin in or in close proximity to a mole. So you can detect changes early, it is important to be aware of the location and appearance of the moles on your body. This will allow you to detect changes early and seek a dermatologist examination. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chance it is at a curable stage.

The ABCDE's of Skin Cancer

ABCDE's of skin cancer represent a quick and easy way to remember those unique traits of a mole that may provide signs of potential skin cancer dangers. These simple guidelines can help you detect forms of skin The cancer, including melanoma, and seek treatment quickly. If you have any additional preventative care concerns, our practice serving Charlotte, Waxhaw, Weddington, and other areas of Mecklenburg County and Union County, North Carolina will be happy to provide you with additional information.

Asymmetry — If a mole is asymmetrical, or irregularly shaped, it may be indicative of skin cancer.

Border Irregularity — Malignant moles tend to form undefined, jagged borders. The borders of healthy moles are typically smooth and rounded.

Color — If a mole is more than one color, and changes colors over time, there is a chance that the mole may be malignant.

Diameter — If a mole is larger than six millimeters in diameter, there is a possibility it is malignant.

Evolving — Changes in the legion over time. This is critical in one type of melanoma that can lack the above ABCD signs, but is a growing legion.

Contact us today to schedule a skin cancer screening appointment with Dr. Todd Helfman. The yearly mole check is a simple procedure that may save your life.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It most often appears on the head, neck, and hands, although other parts of the body may also be affected. Visually, basal cell carcinoma appears as a small, fleshy bump, nodule, or red patch. Basal cell carcinomas can frequently be found in individuals who are fair-skinned, and usually grow at a slow pace. To grow one-half-inch in diameter can even take many months or years. Untreated, the cancer often will begin to bleed, crust over, and heal, before repeating the cycle all over again.

Unlike melanoma, this form of skin cancer typically does not spread to other tissues. Immediate treatment at our office serving Charlotte, Waxhaw, and Union County, North Carolina is important nevertheless as the cancer can affect tissues below the skin, possibly reaching bone and nerves and causing considerable damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell skin cancer is curable with treatment. At the Charlotte Skin Institute in North Carolina, Dr. Helfman provides screenings to analyze the external surface of the skin to detect squamous cell carcinoma as early as possible. Squamous cell carcinoma is a growth on the epithelial layer — or external surface — of the skin.

Squamous cell skin cancer is curable with treatment. At the Charlotte Skin Institute serving Waxhaw, Union County, and other areas of North Carolina, Dr. Helfman provides thorough skin cancer treatment to help eradicate melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other forms of skin cancer.

What Causes Squamous Cell Cancer?

• Overexposure to x-rays
• Excessive exposure to the sun

Signs of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

• A raised bump on the skin with a crusting ulcer in the center
• Mainly occurs on areas of sun-exposed skin (face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, back, and shoulders)

Without treatment squamous cell carcinomas can spread in the body, especially to the lymph nodes. Like all other forms of cancer, early detection is important. For a skin cancer screening, or to explore treatment options after a skin cancer diagnosis, Contact our Charlotte, North Carolina practice today to speak with Dr. Todd Helfman.