Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is an unfortunately common cancer, but it’s also highly treatable when detected early. That’s why the experienced dermatologists at Skin Care Specialists offer skin cancer treatment to the communities of Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale, Arizona. They carefully personalize all care to relieve your stress, protect your health, and provide the best possible outcomes. To learn more about the skin care treatments available at Skin Care Specialists, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

Skin Cancer Q&A

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, occurring when ultraviolet (UV) rays repeatedly damage your skin cells over time. This causes them to grow uncontrollably and abnormally, resulting in dangerous lesions.

What are the main types of skin cancer?

The Skin Care Specialists experts offer current, effective treatments for:

Basal cell carcinoma

This form of skin cancer is caused by prolonged sun exposure and grows slowly. It’s a locally invasive skin cancer appearing as open sores or pearly nodules, which usually grow on your scalp, face, neck, and chest.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Sun damage or carcinogens like tobacco smoke can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. It appears as thick, crusted, or scaly lesions, and while it rarely spreads, its rapid growth can cause extensive tissue damage.

Melanoma

Because this aggressive form of skin cancer develops from pigment-producing cells, it may appear as irregularly shaped, unevenly-colored moles. Your risk of melanoma increases with UV exposure, repeated sunburns, or a family history of skin cancers.

What symptoms of skin cancer should I watch out for?

If you have moles, birthmarks, or other skin spots, keep track of whether they change color, shape, or size. Also, be wary of:

New skin growths that appear pearly, translucent, or pink
Sores that don’t heal or continually bleed and scab over
Skin itching, pain, or tenderness

Contact Skin Care Specialists if you notice any of these symptoms.

What can I expect from skin cancer diagnosis and treatment?

Regardless of the type of cancer, a careful cancer screening is the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis. For this examination, your Skin Care Specialists provider checks you thoroughly for skin growths, abnormal moles, concerning skin textures or colors, or other problematic signs.

The visit is quick and convenient. If the short exam uncovers something abnormal, your provider can take a biopsy for lab testing and review the results with you as soon as they’re available.

If testing reveals cancer, Skin Care Specialists creates a personalized care plan to protect your health and eliminate the danger. Your treatments may include:

Surgical excision
Curettage and electrodesiccation
Topical treatments
Cryotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Mohs micrographic surgery

Seeking prompt treatment is essential for good outcomes, and the expert Skin Care Specialists team is here to help. Learn more by calling the office or booking your appointment online today.