A skin cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but early detection and treatment are highly effective. At Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics, our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in McComb. If you notice a changing mole, unusual spot, or concerning skin lesion, call our office or book an appointment online today.
Skin cancer develops when skin cells grow abnormally, typically due to DNA damage from ultraviolet radiation. Mississippi’s year-round sun exposure makes regular skin checks essential for early detection. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable when caught early, while melanoma requires prompt attention due to its potential to spread.
Your risk increases with several factors:
Regular full-body skin examinations by a dermatologist are your best defense against skin cancer. During your screening at our clinic, our McComb skin cancer diagnosis specialists examine your skin from scalp to toes, looking for suspicious lesions, changing moles, or abnormal growths. We use dermoscopy when needed to evaluate concerning areas more closely.
Warning signs include new growths, spots that look different from surrounding skin, sores that don’t heal, moles that change in size, shape, or color, and lesions that itch, bleed, or crust. The ABCDE rule helps identify potential melanomas: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving characteristics.
When a suspicious lesion is identified, a skin biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. This quick in-office procedure involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Your dermatologist selects the appropriate biopsy technique based on the lesion’s characteristics and location. Results typically return within one to two weeks, allowing your care team to develop a treatment plan based on the specific type and stage of skin cancer.
Treatment depends on the cancer type, size, location, and depth. Our McComb dermatologists offer multiple treatment approaches, including surgical excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, and photodynamic therapy. For certain cases, we coordinate Mohs micrographic surgery, which removes cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy tissue.
Our McComb skin cancer treatment team discusses all options with you, explaining the benefits and considerations of each approach. Most skin cancers are treated successfully in our office with minimal downtime. After treatment, regular follow-up appointments monitor for recurrence and screen for new skin cancers.
Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics combines extensive expertise in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in the McComb area with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our board-certified dermatologists stay current with the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols to provide you with the highest standard of care. Early detection saves lives, and we’re here to partner with you in protecting your skin health. Call our office or request an appointment online today.