Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Here in Idaho, our high elevation, abundant sunshine, and outdoor lifestyle increase the risk of developing skin cancer compared to the national average.
While skin cancer can pose serious health risks if left untreated, early detection and treatment can cure the vast majority of cases. At Idaho Dermatology, we specialize in identifying and treating skin cancer at its earliest stages to help prevent complications and ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Dr. Colby Bingham, double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery, brings exceptional expertise to the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Whether through surgical or non-surgical approaches, Dr. Bingham provides personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring the best possible results.
Skin Cancer
A pearly or waxy bump, often pink or flesh-colored.
A flat, scaly, reddish patch, especially on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck.
A sore that bleeds, oozes, or doesn’t heal.
A small, raised growth with a central indentation, sometimes resembling a crater.
A firm, red nodule or rough, scaly patch.
A sore that bleeds or crusts and doesn’t heal.
A wart-like growth.
A growth that becomes painful or tender.
Melanoma often develops in moles or appears as a new, unusual spot. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate:
A: Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other.
B: Border – Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
C: Color – Uneven shades of black, brown, tan, or other colors.
D: Diameter – Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E: Evolving – Changes in size, shape, or color over time.
A spot, mole, or sore that itches, burns, or causes pain.
A growth that looks different from others on your skin (“ugly duckling” sign).
Persistent skin irritation or redness around a mole or lesion.
A dark line under a nail or an unexpected change in a nail’s appearance.
BCC is known as the most common form of skin cancer. Light or fair skinned individuals are the most at-risk for developing tissue-colored growths, lesions, bumps, or pink areas of the skin.
Overexposure to UV rays is the leading catalyst for developing BCC. Ares of the skin most commonly affected include:
Second on the list of the most commonly developed skin cancers is SCC—UV accelerated cancer found in both light and dark skinned individuals. Signs are similar to those of BCC, but can appear as lesions or wounds that heal and regrow.
Areas of the skin where SCC is commonly found include:
Referred to as one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, melanoma can pose deadly consequences if left to spread undetected. Most individuals notice newly developed brown patches of skin, possibly originating from a mole, with asymmetrical spreading or discoloration.
Self-examination recommendations follow the ABCDE method:
Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further spread and risk.
Better skin and better health is our mission.
