Skin Cancer
If you’ve noticed a spot that’s changing, healing slowly, or simply not looking quite right, it’s worth having it checked. The sooner skin cancer is identified, the more straightforward the treatment often is.
Almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the US every single day. Most of those cases are squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma, both of which are highly treatable when detected early but can cause serious problems if left to grow. Skin cancer is a central part of what we do at Element Dermatology. Dr. LaBine is a board-certified dermatologist with over 30 years of Mohs surgery experience and a brand new dedicated surgical wing for skin cancer procedures.
About This Condition
The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer develops when DNA damage, most often from UV radiation, causes abnormal cell growth in the skin. There are three main types, each with different behavior, prognosis, and treatment implications. Understanding which type has been diagnosed is the first step in determining the right treatment approach.
The three main types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common skin cancer. It develops from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis, grows slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its site of origin, but can invade surrounding tissue and cause local damage if left untreated. It appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored lesion, or a bleeding or scabbing sore that doesn't heal. Highly curable with appropriate treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common skin cancer, arising from squamous cells in the outer layers of the skin. More aggressive than BCC with a greater ability to spread to lymph nodes and distant organs if not treated promptly. Typically appears as a red, firm nodule, a flat lesion with a scaly crust, or a new ulcer on a prior scar or injury. Risk factors include sun exposure, immunosuppression, and prior radiation.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer, arising from pigment-producing melanocytes. Far more likely to spread than BCC or SCC, and accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Caught at an early stage, it’s highly curable, which is why regular mole monitoring and annual skin exams are so important. Recognized using the ABCDE criteria: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolution.
Dr. LaBine is residency-trained and subcertified in Mohs micrographic surgery, the gold standard treatment for many skin cancers on the face, neck, hands, and other cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas. Mohs surgery removes cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under the microscope in real time until clear margins are confirmed. The result is the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment combined with maximum preservation of healthy tissue. Element Dermatology's brand new dedicated surgical wing was built specifically to support these procedures, offering a modern, purpose-built environment for skin cancer surgery in Sartell.
Targeted Treatments
How We Detect and Treat Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Exam and Biopsy
A thorough full-body skin examination to evaluate moles and pigmented lesions. When a lesion warrants closer examination, one of our providers performs a shave or excisional biopsy under local anesthetic and sends the specimen to our board-certified dermatopathology lab partners for analysis.
Mohs Surgery
The highest cure rate available for skin cancer (up to 99% for primary BCCs) with the least removal of healthy tissue. Performed by Dr. LaBine in the clinic's new dedicated surgical wing. Staged removal and real-time microscopic examination continue until clear margins are confirmed.
Surgical Excision and Mole Removal
Standard surgical removal with predetermined margins is appropriate for many lower-risk skin cancers on the trunk and extremities. Dr. LaBine's experience with flaps, grafts, and advanced closure techniques minimizes scarring while ensuring complete removal. Removed tissue is always sent for pathological confirmation of clear margins.
Cryotherapy and Topical Treatment
Actinic keratoses and superficial, low-risk skin cancers in selected patients can be treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or prescription topical agents including 5-fluorouracil (Efudex) and imiquimod. These approaches spare patients a surgical procedure where the clinical situation allows.
Dermatopathology Lab Partnership
Every biopsy specimen is sent to one of the leading board-certified dermatopathology groups in the country, which works closely with Element Dermatology and is available for direct consultation on complex cases. This partnership means pathology findings can discussed directly between the clinician and the pathologist, not just reported on a form.
Post-Surgical Scar Management
For patients who develop scars that stay red, raised, or textured after skin cancer surgery, Element Dermatology's laser capabilities can address these concerns. Laser scar management is available as a follow-up step for patients whose surgical outcome warrants additional refinement.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Consultation Today
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
What does skin cancer look like?
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It varies by type, which is part of what makes it easy to miss. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears as a pearly or translucent bump, a pink growth with raised edges, or a sore that bleeds and doesn't fully heal. Squamous cell carcinoma may look like a rough, scaly patch, a firm red bump, or a new growth on a scar or sun-damaged area. Melanoma often presents as a mole that has changed. The ABCDE criteria for melanoma are a useful starting framework, but any changing or unusual lesion warrants professional evaluation rather than self-diagnosis.
How often should I have a skin cancer check?
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For most adults, an annual full-body skin examination is a reasonable baseline. Patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, a history of heavy sun exposure, fair skin, or immunosuppression may benefit from checks every six months. Between professional exams, a monthly self-examination in good light helps catch changes early. We'll recommend a schedule matched to your personal risk factors at your first appointment.
Is basal cell carcinoma serious?
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All skin cancers should be taken seriously, but that said, BCC is the most common and generally the least aggressive of the three main skin cancer types. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can grow and invade surrounding tissue if left untreated. On the face, it can cause real functional and cosmetic damage, especially around the eyes, nose, and ears, by the time it's addressed. "Rarely spreads" doesn't mean safe to leave. Treatment is straightforward when the cancer is small, and becomes more involved as it grows.
I had skin cancer treated somewhere else. Can I be monitored at Element Dermatology?
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Yes, absolutely! Ongoing surveillance after skin cancer treatment is important regardless of where the initial treatment was performed. Patients who have had BCC, SCC, or melanoma have an elevated risk of developing new lesions and benefit from regular monitoring. Our team will review your prior diagnosis and treatment, assess your current risk profile, and establish an appropriate follow-up schedule. Having your prior pathology reports available at your first appointment is helpful but not required.