Skin Cancer

A skin cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but early treatment is highly effective. At offices in Covington and Hammond, Louisiana, Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics has four board-certified dermatologists treating all dermatologic conditions. They have extensive expertise in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, including performing biopsies and surgery. Call Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics or schedule a consultation online for a prompt skin cancer evaluation today.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a serious medical condition requiring the immediate attention of experienced dermatologists like the Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics team. Many skin cancers result from overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays, while others have a genetic link. When identified early, most skin cancers respond well to treatment.

The main forms of skin cancer are:

Melanoma

Melanomas affect your melanocyte cells in the deeper skin layers. Melanocytes produce melanin, a skin-coloring pigment. Melanomas can develop if your melanocytes absorb excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This form of skin cancer is the most aggressive and dangerous.

Basal cell carcinoma

Cancer of the basal cells in the deepest layer of your skin is the most common type. Around 75% of non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas develop in the keratinocyte cells found in your outer skin. They grow faster than basal cell carcinomas but are far less common.

Melanomas most often develop from existing moles, making them grow, change shape, bleed, or become crusty. Other skin cancers form discolored nodules or lesions. It’s vital to regularly check your skin — especially moles — to identify any abnormalities.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing and treating skin cancer successfully requires extensive knowledge and experience. Your dermatologist carefully examines any unusual moles, other growths, and dry patches on your skin. They might use a dermoscope to get a magnified view of the affected area.

If a lesion or growth looks suspicious, your dermatologist performs a biopsy, precisely removing part or all of the lesion for lab analysis. The results tell them if you have cancer and help to determine which treatments might be most effective.

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer treatments take various forms, with surgery being the most common. Your dermatologist may perform an excision, numbing your skin before cutting the cancerous tissue out. This procedure is performed in-office, and most patients experience minimal downtime.

Another skin cancer treatment is curettage and electrodesiccation, where your dermatologist scrapes the tumor with a curette, then cauterizes the area with an electric needle. Cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, and topical chemotherapy are other possibilities.

When you meet with your dermatologist, they’ll discuss each option with you so that you can make an informed choice about your treatment.

Call Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics to learn about your skin cancer treatment options, or make an appointment online for a checkup.