Treating skin cancer with care

Treating skin cancer with care

Learning you or someone you love has been diagnosed with skin cancer can be scary. And with the number of cases increasing each year, any one of us could find ourselves in that situation. The good news is, the dermatologists and physician assistants at Great Lakes Dermatology are highly trained to detect, diagnose and treat all forms of skin cancer in a timely manner.

“Time is the most important factor for a skin cancer treatment,” says Doug Leone, MD, dermatologist with Great Lakes Dermatology. “The longer you wait to treat it, the higher the chance it will spread and the more complicated it’s going to be.” To hold up your end of the deal, make sure you and your family are diligent about skin cancer screenings.

Detecting skin cancer
If skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy is the only certain way to identify whether cells are cancerous. “While an experienced dermatologist can usually point out a problem area just by looking at it, a biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing skin cancer,” says Dr. Leone. During a biopsy a small portion of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

Treatment options
A skin cancer diagnosis can stop you in your tracks, but today’s treatments can be highly individualized for the patient. “The first thing a patient thinks after being told they have skin cancer is ‘What does this mean for me?’” says Dr. Leone. “The answer really depends on the diagnosis.”

Treatment planning is based on the following:

Since both basal and squamous cell carcinomas rarely spread, they are usually treated in the same way. If these cancers are small and slow growing, treatment might include medication, freezing, or a simple procedure that removes the cancerous cells. Small melanoma growths might also be treated similarly. “In some cases, the biopsy and removal of the precancerous or cancerous cells can be preformed in the same day,” says Dr. Leone.

More aggressive forms of carcinoma and melanoma can be treated using a state-of-the-art skin cancer surgery known as Mohs micrographic surgery, which is available at Great Lakes Dermatology. This highly accurate procedure allows a Mohs surgeon to remove skin cancer in sensitive areas such as the face, hands, or genitals. During Mohs surgery, cancerous tissue is removed in layers and examined under a microscope until only healthy tissue remains.

Other treatments might also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments.

Life after skin cancer
Once you have skin cancer, you’re at risk for recurrence. Please take these proactive steps to detect precancerous or cancerous growths:

  • Perform personal skin checks for any changes in your skin
  • Schedule preventive skin exams with a dermatologist
  • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 daily
  • Wear protective clothing in combination with sunscreen for added protection outdoors
  • Share your knowledge on preventing skin cancer with family members and others who share your lifestyle

“While these are essential lifestyle changes for the skin cancer survivor, in the name of prevention, everyone should do as much as they can to reduce their risk for skin cancer,” says Dr. Leone.

Help your family and yourself. With seven convenient locations, most patients can be seen within 72 hours of your call. To schedule an appointment, call 800-227-5135 today.