Protecting Your Skin From Cancer And Treatment Options

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among adults in the U.S. In fact, approximately one in five adult Americans will develop skin protectionskin cancer. Taking precautions when in the sun and watching for changes in your skin can help you prevent skin cancer or detect it early if it does develop. Early detection is important for improving your odds of successful treatment. At Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates, Dr. Michael Goldaber, Dr. Elaine Kaye and Dr. David Aghassi are your doctors for treatment of skin cancer in Wellesley Hills, MA.

Types of Skin Cancer

The two most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Both can develop after years of sun exposure and sun-damage. While the least common type of cancer, melanoma is the most lethal and is responsible for more skin cancer related deaths than any other type of skin cancer in the U.S. Melanoma can develop after extensive exposure to ultraviolet rays via tanning in the sun or a tanning bed.

Early detection of any of these types of skin cancer increases the odds of beating the cancer. Regularly checking your skin for changes, such as the development of new moles or changes in the shape or color of existing ones, helps with early detection. If you do notice any changes, be sure to see a dermatologist right away. The dermatologist can perform a biopsy to determine if cancer is present and recommend the appropriate course of treatment if it is.

Skin Cancer Treatments

The treatment methods used will depend on the type of skin cancer you have, as well as whether the cancer is in the early or late stages of development. For treatment of skin cancer in Wellesley Hills the dermatologists at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates will diagnose the specific type of skin cancer you have and assess your situation. Skin cancer treatment can include any of the following methods:

  • Curettage and desiccation, which involves scraping out the tumor and applying an electric current to kill off any lingering cancer cells.
  • Surgical excision in which the tumor is surgically removed from the skin.
  • Radiation therapy, in which radiation directly at the affected area to kill cancer skills.
  • Cryosurgery, in which the tumor is frozen off using liquid nitrogen.
  • Mohs micrographic surgery, which involves mapping of the affected skin tissue to minimize removal of healthy skin tissue.
  • Prescription medicated creams, which are topically applied to the skin and help stimulate the body’s immune system to target cancer cells.

Early detection of skin cancer gives you the best chance of successfully eliminating the cancer before it spreads and leads to other health problems. There are a variety of treatments for skin cancer in Wellesley Hills, CA. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, such as new spots or changes in the shape of existing moles, contact Dr. Goldaber, Dr. Kaye or Dr. Aghassi by calling Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates at (781) 237-3500.