How Is Skin Cancer Treated?
By Lily Talakoub | Published on April 6, 2011 | 0 Comments
Unlike our parents and grandparents who might never have given a thought to excessive sun exposure, today’s health-conscious families have become more aware of and more concerned about skin cancer. Fortunately, dermatologists have many tools at their disposal for treating these cancers.
Arlington, VA, dermatologist Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center explains that there are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. When skin cancer is discovered, the treatment approach for an individual patient will be based on the type and severity of the skin cancer he or she has.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis are a premalignant skin condition that, if left untreated, could develop into skin cancer. They occur primarily on areas of the skin that are most frequently exposed to the sun. They usually appear as small crusty, scaly, or crumbly bumps or horns that may, in the initial phases, come and go.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the least aggressive form of skin cancer. It’s also one of the most common. This type of skin cancer is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. When it appears, it often resembles certain non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Most of the time, removing a basal cell carcinoma from the surface of the skin surgically is enough to eliminate the cancer completely.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. This type of carcinoma usually appears as a thick, rough, scaly patch that may bleed easily. Sometimes they can be mistaken for warts. It may also appear as an open sore. The skin around a squamous cell carcinoma may exhibit signs of wrinkling, pigment changes, and loss of elasticity.
Like basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas are usually treated with minimally invasive in-office surgical removal. Once that has been done, patients usually don’t have to worry about the cancer returning.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. If it is detected early, however, it is almost 100 percent curable. Once it has advanced and spread to other parts of the body, it is very difficult to treat and can even be deadly. Melanoma can be removed surgically, but if it has progressed beyond its initial stages, additional treatment may be necessary.
“Melanoma can metastasize and spread like other forms of cancer, affecting internal organs and other areas,” Dr. Talakoub explains. “If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, the treatment you receive will be very individualized, based on the type and aggressiveness of the skin cancer you have. You’ll want to speak with your dermatologist in depth about the type of skin cancer you’re being diagnosed with and the treatment options available to you.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.