Why do I have skin cancer?
Your skin cells continuously regenerate so that dead cells get pushed away while fresh new cells make their way to the surface. With skin cancer, your cells abnormally develop because of a mutation.
In most cases, these abnormal, cancerous cells form because of exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. But you also have an increased risk of skin cancer if you have:
- Weakened immune system
- Family history of skin cancer
- Multiple moles or skin lesions
- Fair skin (less pigmentation protection)
Sometimes, skin cancer develops because of exposure to certain toxic substances, including arsenic. Because your skin is your body’s largest organ, annual skin evaluations to check for early warning signs of skin cancer are essential for your health.
What is the treatment for skin cancer?
Your skin cancer treatment depends on which type of skin cancer you have and the results of your biopsy. For instance, if you have a superficial skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, your provider can usually effectively remove the entire growth during your biopsy.
Larger squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or Merkel cell carcinoma require more extensive treatments. Your skin cancer treatment can include:
- Freezing (cryosurgery)
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
- Excisional surgery to remove the cancerous tissue
- Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy with an electric needle or liquid nitrogen
Your provider works closely with your primary care doctor or oncologist for further testing and treatment if your cancer spread to your lymph nodes or organs.
What happens during a skin cancer treatment appointment?
Once you and your provider decide on the best skin cancer treatment path for you, the team at Advanced Dermatology schedules you for a surgery date. Unless you have a serious health condition or need large patches of skin removed, most skin cancer treatment procedures are performed right in the office.
Your provider thoroughly numbs your treatment area with a local anesthetic injection. Once you’re numb, they cut away your cancerous skin cells, as well as a small amount of the surrounding tissue. Depending on your specific skin cancer treatment, they may use an electric needle or liquid nitrogen to destroy any possible remaining cancer cells.
Aside from the initial slight prick of the anesthetic injection, you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during your treatment. Your provider counsels you on how to properly care for your treated area at home, especially if you needed stitches after your procedure.
In most cases, it’s important to come back for a follow-up visit about 7-10 days after your skin cancer treatment so your provider can evaluate your treated area and give you the results of your biopsy.
Get started on your personalized skin cancer treatment plan at Advanced Dermatology right away. Schedule your evaluation online or call your closest location directly.
