Dr. Manuel Hernandez, a board-certified dermatologist, directs the Dermatology & Mohs Skin Surgery practice. Our doctor sees skin cancer patients from the communities of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Arcadia, FL, and surrounding areas. He is skilled and has experience with various skin disorders, including treating skin cancer with Mohs surgery.

Types of Skin Carcinoma 

• Basal Cell
  Too much sun on your skin can lead to basal cell cancer. This type is the least risky, but it’s still important to catch early. Basal cell cancer resembles small shiny bumps, usually developing on the nose or other parts of your face, and on your legs, arms, and trunk.
  
  This cancer has a low risk of spreading to other body parts. However, if not caught in time it can spread into the bone or deeper skin tissue. It grows slowly and if you have fair skin you are at a higher risk for this type of cancer.
• Squamous Cell
  Your skin has cells called squamous cells, which is where this type of cancer originates. It is the second most common type of skin cancer. It can be dangerous, spreading to other body parts and causing severe complications if it is not caught early and treated.
  
  Dr. Hernandez at Dermatology & Mohs Skin Surgery in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Arcadia, FL, explains that this type presents as red scaly patches with open sores or warty-like growths on the skin. You are at a higher risk of developing this cancer from too much sun exposure or use of tanning beds or lamps.
• Melanoma
  This skin cancer type originates in the skin level that gives you your skin color. This more dangerous type of skin cancer is especially important to detect and treat early because it spreads quickly to other parts of the body.

You want to report to your doctor any changes to a mole or a new and unusual skin growth. The color can be brown, black, tan, pink, or white. You may have melanoma if you notice,

• Irregularly shaped moles
• Uneven coloring or multicolored moles
• Changes in shape, color, or size or moles
• Itching or bleeding

 The areas most likely to develop melanoma are the chest, back, legs, neck, face, soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and nail beds.

Don't Let Skin Cancer Go Untreated!

Most cases of skin cancer are easy and quick to treat if it is identified early. We recommend that you get a skin cancer check done at least every six months to one year.

If you need an experienced dermatologist for your skin cancer checks, please call Dr. Hernandez at 941-764-7773, at the Dermatology & Mohs Skin Surgery practice. He sees residents from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Arcadia, FL, and surrounding areas.