Skin cancer treatment options
Finding out or suspecting that you have skin cancer can be a scary time. It’s natural for your thoughts to immediately go to skin cancer treatment.
It may be helpful to remember that you are not alone- skin cancer is an increasingly common diagnosis. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer experienced in the United States. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life; currently, nearly 9,500 people are diagnosed each day!
It may be comforting to know that the most common types of skin cancer are highly treatable when caught early. Seeing your Charlotte dermatologist regularly is a smart way to ensure that you lower your risk and receive frequent screenings for skin cancer.
Types of skin cancer and their treatments
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- Basal cell carcinoma- This is the most common type of skin cancer. It most often develops in people who are fair, although anyone can get it. It is typically the result of years of sun exposure. Early detection and treatment of basal cell carcinoma is critical to prevent it from spreading. Methods of treatment include surgery (of several possible kinds), light therapy, topical medications, and/or oral medications.
- Squamous cell carcinoma- This is the second most common type of skin cancer. Like basal cell carcinoma, it is most common in fair people who have experienced a good deal of sun exposure. If not caught early, it has the potential to grow deep in the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma can be treated with surgery or radiation. In advanced cases, chemotherapy may be used.
- Melanoma- Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and thankfully, also the rarest. It often develops in an existing mole or suddenly appears as a dark spot on the skin. Depending on the severity of the case and when it is identified, melanoma may be treated by surgery, radiation, medication, or chemotherapy.
Finding the best Charlotte dermatologist for your skin cancer
Receiving a diagnosis of skin cancer, or suspecting that you might, can be a scary time. The experienced team at Metrolina Dermatology is ready to help patients who are suffering from this common ailment.In fact, south Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle and her staffare recognized as experts in all aspects of cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology- skin cancer treatment is just one of their specialties.
If you think you may require skin cancer treatment, don’t wait to make your appointment. Contact the experts at Metrolina Dermatology today to set up your initial consultation.
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