FAQs about Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect adults in the U.S. Luckily, many methods are available for treating skin cancer, especially when the disease is caught early. If you are concerned that you may have the condition, the dermatologists at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates in Wellesley Hills, MA, are your doctors for the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer!

What are the different types of skin cancer?

There are several kinds of skin cancer. The two most common types among adults in the U.S. are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both types are highly treatable when caught early. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, but it is also the rarest.

How can skin cancer risk be reduced?

Sun exposure can increase your risk for skin cancer, particularly if you have sustained sunburns. Using sunscreen with a high SPF and limiting your skin’s exposure to the sun can reduce your risk for skin cancer. Another way to reduce skin cancer risk is to avoid using tanning beds.

What are the signs of skin cancer?

The presence of skin cancer often produces changes in the appearance and texture of the skin, especially where moles are present. Such changes in the skin can be detected early by examining your skin regularly and by scheduling annual skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist. Some signs of the possible presence of skin cancer include:

• Changes in the color, size, or shape of moles
• The development of new moles on the skin
• Sudden itching or bleeding of moles
• Speckled brown spots on the skin
• Patches of red or pink scaly lesions on the skin
• Translucent, waxy cone-shaped growths on the skin
• Black or brown streaks under the fingernails or toenails

What treatments are there for skin cancer?

There are several options available at our Wellesley office for treating skin cancer in. Some of these treatments include:

• Surgical excision—Tumor is surgically removed from the skin.
• Radiation therapy—Radiation is used to target and kill cancer skills.
• Cryosurgery—Tumor is frozen off using liquid nitrogen.
• Mohs micrographic surgery—Areas of skin affected by cancer are mapped to minimize the removal of healthy skin.
• Curettage and desiccation—Tumor is scraped out and an electric current is applied to the area to kill off any remaining cancer cells
• Prescription medicated creams—Creams are applied to the skin in order to help stimulate the body’s immune system to target the cancer cells.

Annual skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist can help with the early detection of skin cancer, an action that helps maximize treatment success. For annual screenings, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer in Wellesley, MA, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates by calling (781) 237-3500 today!