Skin Cancer Treatments

How do I know if I have skin cancer?

Only a Board Certified Dermatologist of Board Certified Dermatopathologist is capable of identifying cancer on the skin. Cancer of the skin is the most common type of all human cancers, and it is important to have one’s skin periodically screened for the presence of skin cancer. Identifying and treating skin cancer as early as possible is important because, for example, early treatment may prevent the spread of cancer. Dr. Babar K. Rao, MD, FAAD is a world respected expert in the identification of skin cancer and utilizes non-invasive techniques for identifying skin cancer.

There are several varieties of skin cancer - most commonly Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, each of which has a different appearance, and some skin cancers closely resemble common, benign, skin lesions. Skin cancer can be found on every part of the skin, scalp and nails.

Skin cancer is nothing more than a collection of abnormally dividing cells in the skin. They may or may not be pigmented, and they may grow only slowly over a period of months, or they may grow more quickly. Some skin cancers develop in the form of a lump, and some are flat and not appreciable by touch. While some malignancies of the skin may bleed, itch, or form an ulcer, other skin cancers may not be bothersome in any respect. A safe rule of thumb is that all growths on the skin should be seen at least once by a physician to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.

How is skin cancer treated?

The type of skin cancer found will determine the treatment options. There are several treatment options for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are the two most common skin cancers. In general, a physician must take a biopsy of the growth and examine the cells under a microscope before diagnosing and treating skin cancer. At times, the removal of the growth for biopsy also serves as the treatment of the lesion. However, in certain limited instances, biopsy may be completely avoidable and the cancer treated by topical application of either imiquimod or 5-Fluorouracil cream. In other cases, the cancers may be treatable with either a CO2 laser, radiation therapy, or a process called photodynamic therapy. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also treatable by freezing the cells, or burning and scraping away the cells after the application of numbing medicine to the skin. If the cancer presents in certain areas, such as the face, a special procedure called Moh’s surgery may be necessary to help prevent recurrence and achieve the best cosmetic result.

Melanoma is another type of skin cancer that deserves special attention. Treatment of melanoma depends on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is usually the standard of care, and the size of the excision may depend on the thickness of the cancer. Removal of one or more lymph nodes is sometimes indicated. In other cases, the administration of interferon may be useful in the treatment of melanoma.
Other tumors of the skin exist, and treatment options will be guided by the type of tumor detected by the dermatologist.

What do I need to know if I have had skin cancer in the past?

Patients who have had skin cancer sometimes develop recurrent skin cancer in the original location or in a distant location. Patients who have had skin cancer may also develop independently derived cancers elsewhere on the skin. The new skin cancers may look nothing like the old cancers. This possibility make it imperative that anyone with a history of skin cancer visit a dermatologist at least yearly for a complete skin check. In some instances, more frequent follow up is recommended.

If you have any questions about skin cancers -  Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma -or any of our dermatology or dermatopathology procedures please feel free to contact Board Certified Dermatologist, Board Certified Dermatopathologist, Babar K. Rao, MD, FAAD at his Manhattan, New York, New Brunswick, New Jersey, or Fresno, California offices.