A skin cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful, but you don’t have to navigate treatment without clear guidance. At Waterside Dermatology, our doctors provide evidence-based skin cancer care, taking time to explain your options and support you through every step.
Treat Skin Cancer with Confidence
Skin cancer is a diagnosis that requires prompt attention, but treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It can develop as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or other less common forms, each with its own risk factors and course of action. Treatment begins with a careful evaluation of the affected area, after which your doctor can recommend an approach tailored to the type, location, and characteristics of your skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer We Treat
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and typically grows slowly. Our doctors evaluate each BCC carefully and recommend treatment based on its size, location, and characteristics, with the goal of thoroughly treating the cancer while preserving healthy tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop in sun-damaged skin and may invade deeper tissues or spread if left untreated. Treatment is tailored to the individual tumor, taking its location, size, depth, and other risk factors into account when determining the appropriate approach.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can spread beyond the skin if not treated early. When melanoma is identified, timely evaluation helps determine the next steps, which may include surgical treatment and coordination with other specialists when additional care is necessary.
Other Skin Cancers
Less common forms of skin cancer can also develop, and their treatment depends on the diagnosis and characteristics of the tumor. Our doctors carefully evaluate your individual case and can recommend appropriate treatment or coordinate specialized care when needed.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Your care begins with a thorough evaluation of the affected area and a review of your medical history, previous skin cancers, and relevant risk factors. If skin cancer is suspected, your doctor may perform a biopsy to establish a diagnosis. Once the type and characteristics of the cancer are understood, your doctor can explain your options and recommend an appropriate plan.
Melanoma Evaluation
Melanoma evaluation begins with a careful examination of the suspicious lesion and may include a biopsy to determine whether melanoma cells are present. If melanoma is diagnosed, factors like the tumor’s depth and other pathology findings help guide next steps. Your doctor will explain the findings and coordinate additional treatment or specialist care when needed.
Surgical Excision of Skin Cancer
Surgical excision removes the skin cancer along with a margin of surrounding tissue to help ensure cancerous cells are adequately treated. The removed tissue is typically examined by a laboratory to assess the margins. Excision may be appropriate for several types of skin cancer, depending on the diagnosis, location, and your individual medical needs and treatment goals.
Curettage & Electrodesiccation (ED&C)
Your doctor carefully examines your skin for moles, growths, sores, and other areas that could indicate skin cancer. They look for changes in color, shape, size, texture, and other concerning features. Be sure to point out anything you’ve recently noticed, including spots that have changed, bleed, itch, hurt, or simply look different from the rest.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy abnormal cells. The treated tissue gradually heals as your skin recovers. This may be appropriate for certain superficial or early skin cancers and precancerous lesions. Your doctor will determine whether cryosurgery is suitable based on the diagnosis, location, depth, and other characteristics.
Topical Medications
Certain superficial skin cancers may be treated with prescription medications applied directly to the affected skin. These medications work in different ways, such as stimulating an immune response or destroying abnormal cells. Treatment generally takes place at home over a prescribed period, with follow-up appointments allowing your doctor to assess your response.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time, with each layer examined under a microscope while you wait. The process continues until no cancer cells remain at the margins. By precisely targeting cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible, Mohs can be particularly valuable for certain BCCs and SCCs in sensitive areas.
FAQs
Will I Need Surgery to Treat My Skin Cancer?
Not always. Many skin cancers are treated surgically, but certain superficial cancers may be appropriate for topical medications, ED&C, cryosurgery, or other approaches. You’ll receive recommendations tailored to your specific diagnosis.
When Might I Need Mohs Surgery?
You may be a candidate for Mohs surgery if you have certain basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. Your doctor will consider the cancer’s type, location, size, borders, and risk of recurrence.
Will My Skin Cancer Treatment Leave a Scar?
Any procedure that removes or destroys skin tissue can potentially leave a scar. Its appearance depends on factors such as the treatment used, the size and location of the cancer, and how your skin heals. Your doctor can discuss what you can reasonably expect before treatment.
Treat Skin Cancer With Attentive Care
A skin cancer diagnosis deserves thoughtful care and a treatment plan you understand. Call Waterside Dermatology to schedule a consultation for skin cancer treatment in Bradenton, FL, and let our doctors guide you through your options with the personal attention you deserve.
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