Skin Cancer Surgery

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, which often looks like a pimple or skin-colored growth that won’t go away or recurrently bleeds. Typically, basal cell carcinomas are slow-growing cancers that remain local, but will not resolve if left untreated.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a more aggressive form of skin cancer caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis. This common cancer can look like a scaly red spot or sore that doesn’t heal. This type of skin cancer is faster growing than basal cell and can potentially spread to the lymph nodes without intervention. Actinic keratosis, also known as AKs, are considered pre-cancers and presents as a red, crusty, scaly growths. If left untreated, actinic keratosis can develop into SCC.
• Melanoma is the most dangerous, skin cancer that usually looks like an dark mole that is asymmetric, has irregular borders or multiple colors, and is larger than the tip of a pencil. Sun exposure and genetics are two of the biggest risk factors for developing melanoma. Early detection is key for successful treatment outcomes with melanoma, which can be fatal.

With offices in Brentwood and Christian Northeast, Deluxe Dermatology offers a range of powerful non-surgical and surgical modalities to prevent and/or cure you of skin cancer. Surgical options include surgical excision, electrodessication and curettage (ED&C), or referral to a specialized oncologic Mohs surgeon. Simple ED&C may be the treatment of choice for the more superficial & early diagnosed skin cancer such as Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in-situ. For cases of Melanoma, these skin cancers are always removed via wide margin excision. Additional testing may be necessary (lymph node examination, PET scan) depending on its stage of development.

If you are concerned about your risk for skin cancer, we invite you to contact our office today. We look forward to hearing from you. Remember: early detection of skin cancer is the best chance for prevention and a cure.