skin cancer treatment

Could You Have Skin Cancer?

It is estimated that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. This incredibly common skin condition can have a number of effects on an individual's skin and overall health, and can even result in death. Because of this, if you are exhibiting potential signs of skin cancer, you should immediately visit a dermatologist clinic for an exam, diagnosis, and potentially, treatment.

Dermatologists are trained to treat a variety of skin conditions, both common and rare, serious and benign. For example, one of the most common services offered by skin specialists is dermatologist acne treatments. Nearly 85% of people suffer from acne at some point during their lives, and as many as 50 million Americans are affected today. Because of the prevalence of this disorder and the variety of forms it can take, there are a variety of acne treatment products and methods available to help reduce and clear away the skin problem, including laser acne treatments. But while acne can be a serious cosmetic problem that can cause severe damage to a person's confidence and self-esteem, preventing skin cancer is one of the most important services dermatology and skin cancer specialists can perform.

Typically, a patients begin the process of diagnosing and treating skin cancer when they notice a change in their skin over the course of a routine skin exam. These at-home tests are recommended especially for those with a high skin cancer risk, and aim to identify changes such as a new mole, or a difference in appearance, texture, or feel of an existing one. After noticing a difference, patients should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who will usually conduct a biopsy to determine if the mole is cancerous and how deeply the cancer is rooted.

If the mole is found to be cancerous, the dermatologist will prescribe one of several skin cancer treatment methods, which will depend on the type and severity of the cancer found. These treatments typically include radiotherapy, surgery, and rarely, chemotherapy. The procedures are typically covered by insurance, but when it comes to skin cancer treatment costs, it is important to remember that the price of early discovery and treatment is often much more affordable than the skin cancer treatment costs for advanced cases. Because of this, as well as the implications for you health, early detection is extremely important. Conduct a self-exam for skin cancer and schedule an appointment with a dermatologist today to discuss your risk of developing the condition. By doing so today, you can hopefully avoid a later discussion on skin cancer treatment costs and surgeries.

by Bishara Gattas

Sign of skin cancer on a patient's skin

Skin Cancer Treatment

There are treatments for skin cancer. Everyone can get skin cancer, no matter how light or dark your skin may be. Exposure may come from UV rays, X-rays, genetics, weak immune system, scarring from bad burns, cancer-causing compounds such as arsenic, sunburns, and the use of tanning beds.

You aren’t alone. Water’s Edge medical dermatologists are here to provide you with compassionate and thorough care.

Treatments:

Excision: Dermatologists will numb the skin and surgically remove the cancer along with a small bit of healthy skin around the area. The small bit of skin is called a margin.

Mohs Surgery: Performed by dermatologists who have received special training, this procedure involves taking layers of skin from the cancerous area layer-by-layer until the current layer is cancer-free. The dermatologist will scrutinize the skin layers through a microscope to determine if another layer needs taken.

Curettage and Electrodesiccation: This process involves scraping off a bit of skin from the top layer of the cancer and then gently cauterizing the remaining cancer cells. This treatment typically needs to be repeated three times.

Other Treatments:

Immunotherapy: Doctors will use the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer.

Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells and allowing them to slough off.

Chemotherapy applied to the skin: Physicians will apply medicine to the skin cancer and it will destroy the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Medicine used when the skin cancer goes beyond the skin.

Photodynamic therapy: This process involves a chemical peel and exposure to a special light.

Radiation therapy: Radiation may be used for large areas of skin cancer on older adults.

With dermatology centers throughout southeast Florida, Water’s Edge Dermatology can help you. Request a skin cancer screening today.

Prevent skin cancer now by performing a self-exam on your skin.

by Bishara Gattas

mohs skin cancer treatment

Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. And skin cancer rates are increasing in all races across the country.

At Water’s Edge Dermatology, our specially trained providers perform Mohs Surgery to treat skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized, highly effective technique for the removal of skin cancer that is practiced throughout the world.

Here’s what Water’s Edge Dermatology patients are saying about Mohs Surgery.

Mohs Surgery permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue, so all “roots” and extensions of the cancer can be eliminated. Due to the methodical manner in which tissue is removed and examined, Mohs surgery has been recognized as the skin cancer treatment with the highest reported cure rate.

Talk to your Water’s Edge Dermatologist about Mohs Surgery, or schedule your appointment for a skin cancer screening today.

Learn more about the types of skin cancer and skin cancer treatments.

by Bishara Gattas