Skin Cancer Specialist

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is abnormal skin cell growth that usually develops with sun exposure. Among different types of skin cancer, some are very serious — and even deadly. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer is the best way to prevent complications linked with the condition.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer might appear as:

• Skin-colored, pearly, or waxy bumps
• Moles that change in appearance
• Bleeding, scaly, crusted, or scabbed tissue
• Firm, red nodules
• Spots with irregular borders
• Moles containing multiple colors
• Itching or burning lesions
• Painful lesions
• Dark-colored or black moles

Any time you have skin spots that change in size, color, or overall appearance, see the experts at The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery for a skin evaluation.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

Excessive sun or tanning bed exposure increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include having:

• Fair skin
• A history of sunburns
• Many moles
• A personal or family history of skin cancer

Exposure to radiation and substances like arsenic also boosts your chance of getting skin cancer. 

Protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen or protective clothing helps reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds and check your skin regularly for abnormal-looking tissue. 

How does my doctor diagnose skin cancer?

To determine if you have skin cancer, the specialists at The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery discuss your medical history and examine your skin. They may take a sample of tissue during a skin biopsy to know for sure if suspicious-looking tissue is indeed skin cancer.

What are the treatments for skin cancer?

Common skin cancer treatments include:

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes and destroys skin cancer using liquid nitrogen.

Mohs surgery

During Mohs surgery, your specialist removes skin cancer, one layer at a time, and examines it under a microscope to ensure all cancerous cells get removed. 

Excisional surgery

During excisional surgery, your provider cuts out cancerous tissue and surrounding skin.

Curettage and electrodesiccation 

After removing cancerous tissue, your provider uses an electric needle to destroy remaining cancer cells during curettage and electrodesiccation. 

If you notice abnormal-looking moles or other tissues that could be skin cancer, call The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery office to schedule an appointment.