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Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting millions of people every year. It happens when skin cells start to grow in ways they should not. While hearing about skin cancer can be scary, there are treatments that work well. Early detection and precise treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes, ensuring both effective cancer removal and minimal scarring. Our team at Ocean Dermatology are here to help you.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
While not typically life-threatening, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of your body when left untreated. Squamous cell carcinoma is a result of prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, or any ultraviolet (UV) light. Squamous cell carcinoma can take many forms, such as a firm, red bump; a flat and scaly patch; or a rough patch that can turn into an open sore.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common skin cancer. Basal cells are responsible for producing new skin cells. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears in areas that have prolonged exposure to the sun. For people with lighter complexions, basal cell carcinoma typically looks like a transparent or white, waxy bump on the skin. For people with darker complexions, it appears as a brown or glossy black bump on the skin.
Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer. It occurs within the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its pigment. The exact cause of melanoma is unknown. Melanoma appears as an unusual pigmented growth. Many people first notice melanoma by the change in appearance of an existing mole. However, it can develop on areas of your skin where there is no mole.
This minimally invasive technique can be used for very early cases of skin cancer. We will freeze the affected area with liquid nitrogen to kill the cancerous tissue. This tissue will eventually fall off as it thaws and heals.
We use a local anesthetic on the area and scrape away the affected area with an instrument called a curette. The wound is generally cauterized to minimize bleeding. Curettage and desiccation is used on superficial basal and squamous cell carcinomas with well-defined borders.
This treatment is used when the cancer cells cannot be removed during surgery or have already spread to other areas of the body. High-powered beams, like X-rays, are used to target and kill cancer cells.
This technique can be used during the early stages of skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous cells along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. The removed tissue is sent for analysis to confirm removal, and the area is closed using suturing techniques to optimize healing.
Used for large growths or recurring skin cancer. MOHS is typically used in areas where you want to preserve as much healthy skin as possible, such as the face. Please navigate to the MOHS Surgery page for more information.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. There are creams and lotions that can effectively eliminate the cancer cells in the epidermis. However, if your skin cancer has spread to another area of the body, systemic chemotherapy (orally or intravenously) may be needed.
Wear Sunscreen
The most important protective measure is to wear sunscreen and protective clothing. It is recommended you use an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours if in the sun.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds exclusively emit UV rays, which are directly linked to skin cancer.
Self-Check
Do a self-check of your skin regularly, looking for abnormal areas of skin. Keep track of new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, or spots.
Visit Your Dermatologist
We recommends that you visit at least once a year, as early detection can make all the difference for your health and wellness.
Signs and symptoms can very depending on the type of skin cancer, but commonly include: new growths or sores that do not heal, changes in existing moles (size, shape, color, or texture), development of unusual skin growths, or patches of skin that are scaly, bleeding or have changed color.
Skin cancer is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Other risk factors include: fair skin that freckles easily and burns instead of tans, family history of skin cancer, exposure to toxic substances, or living in high-altitude or sunny climates where the sun’s rays are stronger.
Skin cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical skin exams and medical procedures. If a suspicious lesion is found, we will closely examine your skin's appearance and take a biopsy of the lesion (send a small skin sample to a laboratory to determine if cancer cells are present).