A spot that changes, a mole that looks unfamiliar, a patch that simply will not heal. These are the kinds of signs that prompt people to start looking for answers.
Skin cancer treatment options in Marietta, GA, are more varied and more effective than many patients expect, and the right path forward depends entirely on which type is involved.
Understanding the core difference between melanoma and non-melanoma is where the skin cancer conversation starts.
What Makes These 2 Types Different?
Skin cancer falls into two broad categories based on where it originates.
Non-melanoma cancers develop in the outer layers of the epidermis. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment.
That distinction shapes how each type behaves, spreads, and responds to care. It also determines which treatment approach a dermatologist will recommend first.
Non-Melanoma: Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States.
It grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the original site. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored lesion, or a pinkish patch on sun-exposed skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, is the second most common type. It typically presents as a firm red nodule, a rough scaly area, or a wound that reopens after healing.
SCC carries a meaningful risk of spreading to lymph nodes if left untreated. Both types are most often found on the face, neck, ears, scalp, and hands.
Despite being less aggressive than melanoma, non-melanoma cancers still require timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent local tissue damage and spread.
Recognizing Melanoma
Melanoma is less common but significantly more aggressive.
It originates in melanocytes and can emerge within an existing mole or appear as a new multicolored or dark lesion anywhere on the body. Its defining danger is the potential to metastasize to distant organs.
The ABCDE rule is the standard detection guide: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolution over time.
Any lesion matching one or more of those criteria deserves prompt evaluation by a dermatologist.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options in Marietta, GA
Skin cancer treatment options in Marietta, GA vary based on the type, location, size, and stage of the cancer.
For BCC and SCC, surgical excision is the most common first approach. Cryotherapy and topical medications address superficial or very early-stage lesions.
Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for cancers on the face, scalp, ears, and other high-risk areas. It removes tissue in precise layers, checking each margin under a microscope before proceeding.
This approach produces the highest documented cure rates for both BCC and SCC while preserving as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.
Treating Melanoma
Early-stage melanoma is addressed through wide local excision, removing the tumor along with a margin of surrounding tissue.
When spread to nearby lymph nodes is suspected, a sentinel lymph node biopsy determines the extent of involvement. This guides decisions about whether additional systemic treatment is needed.
Advanced melanoma is increasingly managed with immunotherapy, which activates the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy and radiation are additional tools used depending on the genetic profile of the tumor and the stage at diagnosis.
Why Catching It Early Matters
The earlier any form of skin cancer is identified, the broader the range of available options.
Regular full-body skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist are the most reliable way to catch lesions before they progress.
Annual screenings are recommended for most adults, with more frequent visits for those with a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Self-checks between appointments are also valuable. New or changing lesions should never be dismissed as minor without a professional opinion.
Call Now to Schedule Your Annual Skin Cancer Exam
Acworth Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center provides expert diagnosis and personalized care for patients concerned about melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in the Marietta, GA, area.
Call 678-505-8030 to book or fill out our online contact form to request your appointment.