Getting a skin cancer diagnosis can be scary, but thanks to advancements made in treating the condition, skin cancer can be successfully treated if caught early. But how is skin cancer treated.
Understanding skin cancer
Skin cancer is a condition that occurs when atypical skin cells grow in an uncontrolled manner, leading to the formation of a malignant tumor. These cells become abnormal due to DNA damage caused by the UV rays of the sun. That’s why skin cancer is typically found in areas such as the face, neck, and hands, which are exposed to the sun for long periods.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the main types of skin cancer. BCC is the most common form, while melanoma is the most dangerous.
How is skin cancer treated?
The method used to treat skin cancer varies depending on the type of cancer. Common treatment options include cryotherapy and Mohs surgery.
- Cyrotherapy is the usual treatment option for precancerous skin lesions, known medically as actinic keratoses. The procedure involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the lesion. The liquid nitrogen freezes the tissue and this causes the lesion to eventually fall off.
- Mohs surgery is especially useful for treating BCC and SCC. It is a multi-step procedure in which the tumor and a layer of tissue is removed, and then examined under a microscope. This process is done while the patient waits, so if any cancer is detected the patient is recalled and the process continues, until the tissue is free of cancer.
If you notice any of the signs of skin cancer, don’t wait to get an evaluation done.
Clients in the Chicago/Lake Forest/ Glenview, IL areas can contact Skin Care Center to learn more about skin cancer treatments.
Call 773.296.3636 (Chicago), 847.234.6121 (Lake Forest), or 847.901.0252 (Glenview) today to schedule a consultation.