Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US. It begins on the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, and is most often caused by exposure to UV light including sunlight and artificial UV light from tanning beds. However, skin cancer can appear anywhere on your body even if it wasn’t exposed heavily to UV light.
Review this section's important information about skin cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, staging, and treatment options as you prepare for your first appointment. Then, we will help you and your family in making treatment decisions, together with our medical team at Virginia Oncology Associates. During this process, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to help manage your cancer and continue activities of your daily life.
We understand that a new diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer or melanoma can be scary. Often diagnosed by a dermatologist, you may want to seek a second opinion from a skin cancer specialist. We are always available to give a second opinion and describe our recommended treatment options.
If you find any new marks, moles, or spots on your skin, it is always best to see a skin cancer specialist, who can provide an exam and provide a biopsy, if needed. The sooner a skin cancer can be diagnosed as non-melanoma or melanoma, the better your chance of a positive treatment outcome.
There is no way to completely prevent skin cancer. Some skin cancers are caused by factors that you can control - like overexposure to UV light including the sun and artificial UV light from tanning beds, but other are not. Find out what you can do to avoid skin cancers from developing.
Knowing what type and stage of your skin cancer is important because it will affect your treatment options. There are three major types of skin cancers, grouped into two categories:
Non Melanoma Skin Cancers
Melanoma - The most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Your skin cancer specialist at Virginia Oncology Associates will work together with you to develop a skin cancer treatment plan that’s best for you based on your type and stage of cancer and your general overall health. Your treatment options may include:
From support groups to community resources, genetic counseling to financial counseling with our Patient Benefit Representatives, the cancer specialists at Virginia Oncology Associates are here for you every step of the way. We encourage you to learn more and take advantage of our supportive care services.
Skin cancer treatment at Virginia Oncology Associates includes extensive personalized treatment planning and care throughout the entire process. Here are just a few of the ways Virginia Oncology Associates is a leader in skin cancer care.
Our scheduling staff will work with patients to arrange convenient appointments at our nine locations throughout Virginia.
