skin cancer
About one in five Americans receives a diagnosis of skin cancer at some point during their lifetime. Though serious, thanks to modern treatment techniques skin cancer can be managed and, in many cases, reversed. At Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics in Orange City, Florida, Neil Sandhu, MD, FAAD, and the team provide diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. To schedule an appointment, book online or call the office and speak with a friendly staff member today.
Call Today! 386-628-DERM (3376)
skin cancer Q&A
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a disease that causes your skin cells to divide and multiply uncontrollably. It usually occurs due to sun exposure, but other factors can increase your risk as well.
Because skin cancer presents few symptoms early on, it’s important to regularly conduct skin checks. If you notice any suspicious changes, such as red, scaly bumps or asymmetrical moles, seek professional treatment at Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics right away.
what are the types of skin cancer
Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics diagnosis and treats all major types of skin cancer, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that affects your basal cells. Basal cells form new skin cells as old ones die off. Basal cell carcinoma can occur anywhere, but it’s especially common in areas of the body that experience sun exposure, such as the face, arms, and neck.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma occurs when squamous cells multiply uncontrollably. Squamous cell carcinoma usually affects sun-exposed skin. It’s especially common in people with darker complexions.
- Melanoma: Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. In men, it usually occurs on the face and chest, while women tend to experience melanoma on the ankles and feet. Symptoms of melanoma include painful lesions that itch and burn, moles that change in size or color, and brown spots with dark speckles.
what is a risk of skin cancer?
Skin cancer affects all types of people, but certain factors increase your risk, including:
- Having fair skin
- A history of sunburns
- Excessive sun exposure
- Living in a high altitude
- Moles
You’re also more likely to experience skin cancer if you have a family history of the condition.
how is skin cancer diagnosed and treated?
Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics diagnoses skin cancer by reviewing your medical history, asking about your symptoms and lifestyle, and physically examining your skin. Your provider might also recommend a biopsy. A biopsy removes a sample of skin and sends it to a lab for further testing and evaluation.
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and severity. Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics might recommend:
- Surgical excision: During surgical excision, your provider carefully removes the cancerous lesion as well as a surrounding margin of healthy skin. Afterward, they test your healthy skin for cancerous cells.
- Mohs surgery: During Mohs surgery, your provider removes the cancerous lesion layer by layer under a microscope. After removing each layer, your provider examines them for the presence of cancerous cells. Your provider repeats this process until no cancerous cells remain. Following treatment, you’ll need to participate in regular skin checks. These in-office appointments can catch skin cancer early, should it recur.
If you’re concerned about your risk of skin cancer, schedule an appointment at Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
