Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. When it's detected early, patients have a good prognosis. Many types of skin cancer can be completely removed so patients can make a full recovery. In order to give yourself the best chance of surviving skin cancer, you'll need prompt treatment from a dermatologist. Here are three ways dermatologists treat skin cancer:
1. Diagnose skin cancer and precancer
Skin cancer can affect the skin anywhere on your body. It typically occurs in areas that are exposed to the sun, but sun damage isn't the only cause of skin cancer. You can develop skin cancer on your scalp, back, or even the skin between your fingers and toes. It isn't easy to check yourself for skin cancer because it's difficult to search your entire body. A dermatologist can perform a thorough check for you. Skin cancer screenings look for unusual moles, sores, or freckles that may be cancerous. If a suspicious spot is found, your dermatologist may order a biopsy in order to reach a definitive diagnosis.
2. Treat precancerous skin
Some people with significant sun damage may exhibit signs of precancerous skin. Precancerous skin is unhealthy. It contains cells that are more likely to become cancerous. Precancerous lesions should be treated to prevent cancer from developing. Chemical peels are commonly used to eradicate precancer. This treatment is sometimes used for cosmetic reasons, but clinical chemical peels penetrate deeper into the surface of your skin. Medium peels and deep peels both remove more skin than standard cosmetic chemical peels. Your doctor will numb your skin before performing the peel to prevent pain.
3. Surgically remove skin cancer
In many cases, surgical removal is the best option for eradicating skin cancer. Your dermatologist will treat the area with a local anesthetic before using a scalpel to remove your cancer. There are different types of surgery available, and each has its benefits. Standard surgical excision is the fastest technique, which allows your doctor to cut away the cancerous tissue immediately. Mohs surgery is more time consuming because tissue is removed in layers before being tested for cancer. Some doctors prefer Mohs surgery because it allows them to take a conservative approach, leaving healthy tissue intact. Electrodesiccation and curettage can be used to surgically remove small lesions. During this surgery, cancerous tissue will be scraped away, and the wound will be cauterized with electricity.
Share4 June 2020
We are all covered in skin. It plays a number of roles in our body, helping to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It keeps our organs in place, and it even eliminates waste. But like any other organ, your skin can develop a number of health issues as time goes on. Maybe you develop acne, or perhaps you become affected by psoriasis or eczema. Dermatologists are there to help. This blog is all about doctors who specialize in dermatology, the work they do, and how they can help you get the skin you've always desired.
