Mercy's Dr. Vadim Gushchin Discusses Different Types of Skin Cancer

Skin is made up of different types of cells. When the DNA inside these cells becomes damaged, they can become cancerous.

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases.

According to surgical oncologist Dr. Vadim Gushchin, Director of The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Center at Mercy, the most dangerous is melanoma, which is clearly related to the amount of sun exposure people have in their childhood. He said once the damage is done to your skin, there is no way back.

“If you feel there is something on your skin that looks suspicious, a lesion that wasn't there, a birthmark that has changed recently, seek an appointment with your dermatologist or primary care physician. It might need to be biopsied,” Dr. Gushchin said.

Dr. Gushchin emphasized the importance of avoiding direct sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing long sleeves and clothing with SPF protection, using sunscreen and avoiding sunburns.

To view Dr. Gushchin’s interview regarding skin cancer, click here.