Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer and affect millions of people each year. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States but fortunately most types are easily treated. Unfortunately, the most aggressive form, melanoma, kills thousands of people each year. The key to treatment though is prevention.
Skin cancer treatment will depend on several factors. The type of tumor, size, location, previous treatments, and patient factors all play into the type of treatment which must be undertaken. For melanoma tumors, aggressive treatment is necessary and well defined through national standards. For basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, treatment is more reliant on the location of the tumor, size, and patient preference. Cryotherapy (freezing the cancer), topical medications which burn the tumor, and surgical excision are all options which should be discussed with the patient.
For patients with tumors in sensitive areas, Mohs micrographic surgery can be used to preserve as much normal tissue as possible. The technique was developed by Dr. Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the early 1900's. By using a special technique, specially trained surgeons can immediately examine the removed specimen and determine if tumor is still present. This allows for removal of only the tumor itself and allows the surgeon to leave as much normal tissue as possible.
As with any cancer though, prevention is the best medicine. Use of sunscreens and avoidance of excess ultraviolet radiation (including tanning beds) are the two best methods for helping to prevent skin cancers from forming. There are many factors which play into skin cancer development though, including genetics, so regular mole checks are necessary to catch any skin cancers at an early stage.
For patients at high risk of skin cancer, yearly head to toe skin checks with a primary care physician or dermatologist are necessary to help catch tumors at an early stage. The earlier the tumors are caught, the easier they are to treat.
Skin cancer treatment will depend on several factors. The type of tumor, size, location, previous treatments, and patient factors all play into the type of treatment which must be undertaken. For melanoma tumors, aggressive treatment is necessary and well defined through national standards. For basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, treatment is more reliant on the location of the tumor, size, and patient preference. Cryotherapy (freezing the cancer), topical medications which burn the tumor, and surgical excision are all options which should be discussed with the patient.
For patients with tumors in sensitive areas, Mohs micrographic surgery can be used to preserve as much normal tissue as possible. The technique was developed by Dr. Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the early 1900's. By using a special technique, specially trained surgeons can immediately examine the removed specimen and determine if tumor is still present. This allows for removal of only the tumor itself and allows the surgeon to leave as much normal tissue as possible.
As with any cancer though, prevention is the best medicine. Use of sunscreens and avoidance of excess ultraviolet radiation (including tanning beds) are the two best methods for helping to prevent skin cancers from forming. There are many factors which play into skin cancer development though, including genetics, so regular mole checks are necessary to catch any skin cancers at an early stage.
For patients at high risk of skin cancer, yearly head to toe skin checks with a primary care physician or dermatologist are necessary to help catch tumors at an early stage. The earlier the tumors are caught, the easier they are to treat.
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Skin checks are carried out at regular interval of times. In case of any bleeding or itching that an employee suffers the doctor is immediately called.
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