Skin Cancer
We strive to educate patients with strategies and tips for skin cancer prevention. We believe prevention strategies and regular skin screenings are the first line of defense in the battle against skin cancer. We encourage all our patients to schedule regular skin screenings to monitor any irregularities or spots that may occur.
Types of Skin Cancer
Understanding the types of skin cancer can help patients better grasp the importance of prevention and early detection. The three most common types include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, basal cell carcinoma is typically slow-growing and less likely to metastasize. However, if left untreated, it can enlarge and penetrate deeper tissues such as cartilage, bone and muscle.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common form, squamous cell carcinoma carries a higher risk of spreading and is more likely to appear in burn scars or areas exposed to chronic irritation.
- Melanoma: Although less common, melanoma is the most dangerous type. It originates in melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) and can appear in a mole or other pigmented tissues. Melanoma requires immediate attention as it can spread more aggressively than other types.
Skin Cancer Treatment
If our providers identify an area of concern, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Because each case is unique, the treatment for skin cancer varies depending on the type of tumor, its location, size, depth and other factors.
Some of the treatment methods we offer include:
- Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells
- Electrodesiccation and Curettage: Using electrical currents to scrape away cancerous cells
- Topical Drugs: Application of chemotherapy or immune-boosting drugs to treat surface-level skin cancers
- Surgical Excision: Removing the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal
Each patient is different, and the best treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs. Our team will walk you through the treatment options and make sure you are fully informed about the next steps.