Skin Cancer · Burien & Bellevue, WA
Skin Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
Dermatology of Seattle offers complete skin cancer care — from annual screenings and biopsy to Mohs surgery, electronic brachytherapy, and post-treatment follow-up — all under one roof in Burien and Bellevue.
Schedule a Skin Cancer ScreeningWhat Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, most often triggered by DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation — either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with more than 9,500 new cases identified every single day.
The three main types — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma — behave very differently. BCC and SCC are highly curable when detected early and rarely spread beyond the skin. Melanoma is far more dangerous because of its tendency to metastasize, making early detection critical.
The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common cancer of any kind in the US, accounting for roughly 80% of all skin cancer diagnoses — approximately 3.6 million cases per year. It arises from the basal cells at the base of the outer skin layer. BCC grows slowly, almost never spreads to other organs, but can be locally destructive if left untreated, invading deep tissue, cartilage, and bone.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common skin cancer, with about 1.8 million cases diagnosed annually. It develops from the squamous cells in the outer skin layers. Unlike BCC, SCC carries a 2–5% risk of metastasis — higher in patients who are immunosuppressed or have tumors on the lip, ear, or in chronic wounds. Precancerous actinic keratoses (AKs) are direct precursors to SCC and should be treated promptly.
Melanoma
Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths — over 8,000 per year in the US. It originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells. The five-year survival rate for stage I melanoma is 98%, but drops to approximately 30% for stage IV disease, underscoring why early detection through regular skin exams is lifesaving.
Warning Signs: The ABCDE Rule
Use the ABCDE criteria when examining your moles and skin spots. See a dermatologist promptly if you notice any of the following:
- A — Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other half in shape or size.
- B — Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined.
- C — Color: The spot has multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue rather than a uniform color.
- D — Diameter: The lesion is larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
- E — Evolving: The spot is changing in size, shape, color, or any other characteristic, or is new and looks different from other spots.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but certain factors raise the risk considerably:
- Cumulative UV exposure from sun or tanning beds
- History of sunburns, especially blistering burns in childhood
- Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Large number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles
- Immunosuppression from medications or illness
- Exposure to radiation, arsenic, or certain chemicals
- Living at high altitude or in sun-intense climates
Why Early Detection Matters
Skin cancer caught at an early stage is one of the most curable cancers. A basal cell carcinoma treated before it invades deeper tissue requires only a straightforward office procedure. Early-stage melanoma requires surgical excision with a clean margin — a cure in the vast majority of cases. Delayed diagnosis allows tumors to grow larger, invade deeper structures, and in the case of melanoma, spread to lymph nodes and distant organs where treatment is far more challenging.
Annual full-body skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist, combined with monthly self-checks at home, are the cornerstone of early detection. If you notice a new or changing spot, do not wait — schedule a biopsy evaluation promptly.
Our Skin Cancer Services
Mohs Surgery →
The gold standard for high-risk skin cancers on the face and neck, with cure rates exceeding 98% for basal cell carcinoma.
Electronic Brachytherapy →
Radiation-based treatment ideal for patients who are poor surgical candidates or have tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Basal Cell Carcinoma →
The most common form of skin cancer in the US. Highly treatable when caught early with multiple effective treatment options.
Melanoma →
The most dangerous skin cancer. Early detection is critical — stage I melanoma carries a 98% five-year survival rate.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma →
The second most common skin cancer, with a small but real risk of metastasis — especially in immunocompromised patients.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening
Early detection saves lives. Our board-certified dermatologists provide thorough full-body skin exams at both our Burien and Bellevue offices.
Schedule an AppointmentQuick Facts
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70
- Early-stage skin cancer is highly curable
- Annual skin exams can be life-saving
- UV exposure causes ~90% of non-melanoma skin cancers
Why Choose Dermatology of Seattle for Skin Cancer Care?
We combine clinical expertise with advanced technology to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients with skin cancer throughout the greater Seattle area.
Board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons
On-site histology lab for same-day Mohs tissue processing
Electronic brachytherapy for surgery-free radiation treatment
Comprehensive care from diagnosis through reconstruction
Two convenient locations in Burien and Bellevue, WA
Most major insurance plans accepted, including Medicare
Don't Wait — Early Detection Is Everything
Annual skin cancer screenings take less than 30 minutes and can catch life-threatening cancers before they have a chance to spread. Book your exam at our Burien or Bellevue office today.