Skin Cancer Treatment on the Gulf Coast

Skin cancer, the most diagnosed cancer in the United States, affects almost 10,000 Americans per day Consisting of three main cancers, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, it is important to treat skin cancer early to ensure a full recovery. Infirmary Cancer Care has the expertise, experience and state-of-the-art treatments to help you overcome skin cancer.

Call us today at (251) 435-2273 to start your fight against skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a very common cancer in the United States with over a million Americans being diagnosed with this type of cancer each year.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Melanoma: This cancer affects the cells that produce skin pigment. It is the most aggressive type of skin cancer.
• Basal cell carcinoma: This cancer affects the cells that make new skin cells. It is the most easily treated skin cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This skin cancer affects the outer layers of skin as well as the middle layers and is somewhat rare.

Individuals who have fairer skin, easily freckle or sunburn, have lighter hair or blue/green eyes or have a medical or family history of skin cancer are at greater risk of developing it. The disease is also much more common in men with around three times as many men as women being diagnosed. However, the most common reasons for the development of skin cancers include UV radiation from long exposure to sunlight or tanning booths, suppressed or autoimmune problems, exposure to X-rays and high levels of contact with dangerous chemical agents.

How Skin Cancer Is Diagnosed

The signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on what type of cancer it is. Melanoma is usually dark and roughly textured skin or moles that have changed color and shape. Basal cell carcinoma is usually marked by the development of discolored and uncomfortable skin or open lesions and squamous cell carcinoma is also marked by either open sores or red and scaly skin or moles. If you have a mole that is of an irregular shape, discolored or longer than a quarter-inch, you should check it for cancer.

If you experience growth in a mole or a sudden and lasting discoloration or discomfort in your skin, you should inform your doctor. When determining whether a lesion or mole is skin cancer, a dermatologist will usually take a biopsy. This biopsy will usually help tell your doctor what type of skin cancer it is and how best to go about treating it.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

The treatment options for skin cancer vary depending on the type of cancer and how it has affected the body so far. However, most skin cancer can be effectively treated by surgically removing the lesions or tumors on the skin. If further treatment is deemed necessary, then immunotherapy or targeted chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used. However, these treatments are not usually used unless the cancer has metastasized to another part of the body. This situation is most common with melanoma which has the highest likelihood of metastasizing. In the case of melanoma, the doctor may remove one or two centimeters of healthy skin and possibly even nearby lymph nodes to stop the spread of cancer. However, surgical proceedings for basal and squamous carcinoma are much easier and less severe procedures that usually do not require any follow-up treatments. Our dermatology and skin cancer specialists at Infirmary Cancer Care will carefully review all treatment options with you to allow you to make an informed decision as to how best to treat your skin cancer.

If you are suffering from skin cancer, contact Infirmary Cancer Care today to learn about your treatment options.