Skin cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans each year. It occurs in people of all ages, and one in five will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
At Dermatology Consultants, we have created a center of excellence to treat this most common form of cancer. We offer an unrivaled series of the most innovative cancer treatments. These options include surgical removal of the tissue, Mohs Surgery, cryosurgery, prescription topical therapy, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Superficial Radiation Therapy
When our dermatologists detect cells that may be cancerous, we will conduct a thorough examination, typically involving a biopsy, to make an accurate diagnosis. Then we will determine what kind of treatment is ideal for your case.
There are 3 main types of skin cancer:
A fourth type of cancer, Merkel cell cancer is a highly aggressive, or fast-growing, rare cancer. It starts in hormone-producing cells just beneath the skin and in the hair follicles. It is usually found in the head and neck region. Merkel cell cancer may also be called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.
Starting at the age of 20, we encourage our patients to perform monthly self-examinations for skin cancer, especially if it runs in your family. We recommend that patients use the ABCDE system for checking your moles.
Additionally, you should come in and have the doctors do a full-body examination at least once a year, more if you have a history of skin cancer. Our skilled dermatologists will examine your skin for suspicious moles or lesions, and take samples, if necessary, to be biopsied by a pathologist. If we detect the three forms of skin cancer – Basal Cell, Squamous Cell or Melanoma – the dangerous cells can be removed.
Mohs is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer, where thin layers of cancer-containing skin are removed and examined repeatedly until only cancer-free tissue remains. This procedure allows for minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue and is usually done on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic.
We also can remove benign or malignant growths, such as moles, lesions, and tumors, from your skin. Usually performed using local anesthesia, which ensures that you feel no pain during the procedure. LEARN MORE
Our GentleCure Image-Guided SRT is the surgery-free cure for Basal, Squamous Cell and other non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Unlike Mohs surgery, SRT uses low levels of X-ray energy to eliminate the cancer without cutting, pain and recovery time. LEARN MORE.
PDT is an advanced, non-surgical treatment used to destroy abnormal or pre-cancerous skin cells with a combination of a light-sensitive medication and a specific wavelength of light. It’s especially effective for pre-cancerous lesions like actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, and some cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). LEARN MORE
Our Dermatologists offer a full suite of procedures to treat pre-cancerous lesions and Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Here are other options to discuss with your dermatologist:
Short electrodesiccation and curettage, it’s a minimally invasive procedure that involves scraping away the tumor and then using an electric current to burn and destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Medications are applied directly to the skin to treat skin cancer or precancerous conditions. These drugs work by targeting and destroying cancer cells.
Lasers can be used to treat Basal Cell skin cancer. Using nano-pulse stimulation (NPS), lasers deliver non-thermal energy to the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
A treatment involving freezing tissue with liquid nitrogen to destroy the cancer cells. The area thaws and blisters before scarring over.
Here are smart steps you can take to block UV rays, avoid sun damage and help prevent skin cancer.
Although dark-skinned people have a natural protection against skin cancer, that doesn’t mean it can’t occur. It does – most frequently where skin is lightest, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and around the nail bed. This is most true for Asians, Native Americans, and people of African descent. In Hispanics, melanoma occurs most frequently on the legs. Because it is frequently misdiagnosed as plantar warts (on the soles of the feet), tinea manuum (a fungus occurring on the palms of the hands), or a condition known as talon noir or black heel, and because many people do not seek treatment early on, the melanoma death rate is highest among people with dark skin. The lifesaving answers lie in awareness and early diagnosis.
*source: skincancer.org
