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The specialists at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center use a collaborative approach to diagnose and treat any type and stage of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Our research-backed clinical methods and state-of-the-art technologies provide optimal results.

If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, our multidisciplinary team creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific type and stage of skin cancer and your individual needs. We are here to guide you from screening and diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Spot the Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer

You can have skin cancer and not know it. Skin cancer can look different from one person to the next, and the symptoms can vary. The most important sign of skin cancer is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape or color.

Skin cancer can also appear as a spot that looks different from other spots on your skin, such as a flat pink or red patch, a sore that looks crusty, a scaly lesion,  or a sore that doesn’t heal or that heals and reappears.

Dermatologists recommend the following ABCDE screening guidelines when self-examining moles:

 

  • Asymmetry — One half of the mole does not match the other half.
  • Border — The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.
  • Color — The color of the mole is not the same throughout or has different shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white or red.
  • Diameter — The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
  • Evolution — The mole changes in size, shape or color.

Skin Cancer Menu

If a mole is displaying any of the signs listed above, or you are worried about a new mole or change in your skin, have it checked by a dermatologist immediately.

Any of these symptoms may instead be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing a particular symptom is to see your doctor.

Learn more about skin cancer symptoms  ➝
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Care for Every Type of Skin Cancer

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It covers your entire body, protecting you from external factors like germs, light, heat and cold. There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer type corresponds to where the cancer develops. 

Melanoma

This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can grow and spread quickly to other parts of the body. It starts in the melanocytes, which are cells that make pigment (melanin) that gives skin its color. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes grow out of control. It appears as a new or abnormal spot, or a change in an existing mole.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for around 80% of cases. It is caused by DNA damage in the top layer of the skin (the basal cells of the epidermis). BCC occurs due to an overproduction of basal cells in the epidermis and often resembles a pimple.

 

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) 

This is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is a growth of cancerous cells that starts in the middle and outer layers of the skin (squamous cells) that normally looks like a bump or a scaly sore.

 

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Your Skin Cancer Care

Our multidisciplinary experts provide innovative care, delivered with compassion. Oncology nurse navigators guide and support you through every stage of skin cancer care — from a complete skin checkup and diagnosis through treatment, removal and recovery.
Accurate Diagnostics & Advanced Treatment
Treating your individual cancer — so you can get back to your life.

Oncologists, dermatologists, surgeons and other specialists work together to provide a treatment plan customized to your needs and lifestyle. We use precise diagnostics and the latest technologies in order to treat your skin cancer as safely and efficiently as possible.
 

 

Research-Backed Solutions & Innovative Technology

Leading research and clinical trials lead to new treatment options for your cancer.

Our pioneering research and our many clinical trials  result in new therapies developed to cure skin cancer. Houston Methodist patients may access clinical trials offering potentially promising treatments not available to the public.

 

 

Ranked #18 in the Nation for Cancer Care

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 18 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Cancer. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation's best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital. 

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Accurate Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Accurate Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of skin cancer allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. For any skin abnormalities, your doctor may perform several exams and tests to find out if you have melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer or some other skin condition.

Your dermatologist reviews your personal and family medical history and performs a head-to-toe review of your skin. Your doctor may take a sample of skin (biopsy) from any suspicious areas and look at it under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present. Your doctor may also conduct an imaging test such as an X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan.

How skin cancer is diagnosed  ➝

Cutting-Edge Skin Cancer Treatments

We are committed to superior outcomes, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, your dermatology and oncology care team tailors your treatment plan to the specific characteristics of your type and stage of skin cancer. We also consider your needs and lifestyle.

Our skin carcinoma and melanoma experts offer the most advanced skin cancer treatment options available, including minimally invasive procedures, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Our goal is to provide effective treatments, while preserving healthy tissue and cells. Your care team may use one or more of the following methods to treat and manage your cancer.

More about skin cancer treatments >

 
Surgery
A surgical procedure may be conducted to remove cancer from the skin. Surgical removal is the most common treatment for most melanomas and other skin cancers, and this approach usually cures early-stage disease. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed to restore the form and function of areas affected by skin cancer. 
 
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medications to stimulate the immune system to more effectively recognize and destroy skin cancer cells. Numerous types of immunotherapies can be used to treat skin cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments. Some immunotherapy treatments are given as intravenous (IV) infusions, whereas others are injected directly into the tumor or applied as a cream.
 
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a newer treatment for skin cancer. It uses drugs that specifically recognize and target cancer cells to stop their growth without harming normal cells. Targeted therapeutic drugs often pinpoint specific mutations or proteins involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
 
Radiation Therapy & Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing in a targeted, specific area. Radiation works by targeting abnormal cells and damaging their DNA, so they are unable to reproduce. Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or halting cell division and growth.
 

Houston Methodist Skin Cancer Specialists

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, our experienced skin cancer specialists — including medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators and support staff — are dedicated to stopping your cancer.

We provide advanced cancer care at eight locations across the Greater Houston area, allowing you or your loved one to receive treatment close to home or work.

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    Skin Cancer Education & Awareness

    We understand that the amount of skin cancer information available online can be overwhelming, so we have streamlined information below so that you can more easily find the information you need.

    • Skin Cancer Information
    • Skin Cancer Risk Factors
    • Skin Cancer Staging
    • Skin Cancer Information
      Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and it is a growing health issue. Each year, more than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer — more than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers. Estimates indicate that 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer during their lifetime.

      According to the National Cancer Institute, melanoma of the skin is the fifth most common cancer, making it fairly common compared to other cancers. An estimated 100,640 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024. Melanoma accounts for 5% of all new cancer diagnoses and 1.4% of all cancer deaths. 
    • Skin Cancer Risk Factors

      A risk factor is anything that increases your odds of developing skin cancer. It is important to be aware of any risk factors you may have for developing skin cancer and modify or eliminate them when possible. 

      Risk factors for the most common types of skin cancer include:


      • Personal or family history of skin cancer
      • Frequent or intense exposure to sunlight
      • Use of sunlamps or tanning booths
      • History of severe, blistering sunburns
      • Fair skin that sunburns easily
      • Use of certain antibiotics, hormones or antidepressants

      Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop skin cancer. At the same time, having few or no risk factors does not guarantee you will not develop skin cancer.

      Learn more about skin cancer risk factors >

       

    • Skin Cancer Staging

      If you receive a skin cancer diagnosis, your oncologist will determine the stage to understand the cancer size, location and metastasis (spread). Cancer staging helps your health care team know what areas of the body are affected and in need of treatment:


      • Stage 0 – Cancer is only in the top layer of the skin. It has not spread elsewhere.
      • Stage 1 – Cancer is in the top and middle layers of the skin
      • Stage 2 – Cancer is in the top and middle layers of the skin and has moved into the nerves or deeper layers of the skin.
      • Stage 3 – Cancer has spread into the lymph nodes.
      • Stage 4 – Cancer has spread to other parts of the body into organs such as the liver, lungs or brain.
       

    Skin Cancers Frequently Asked Questions

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