How Your Dermatologist Can Prevent and Remove Skin Cancer

Preventing and Managing Skin Cancer

Any cancer diagnosis is a serious concern. Fortunately, medical science has made enormous strides in treating skin cancer, particularly over the past twenty years. There are lots of reasons for optimism. Skin cancer screening, preventative care, and removal are all better than ever before. The Herscthal Practice is proud to offer our clients all these services.

Skin Cancer Screening and Preventative Care

Nearly everyone understands the importance of avoiding excess UV radiation exposure and using an appropriate sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher now. However, most of us have received ample sun exposure in our younger years and even today. 

This makes skin cancer screening and preventative removal two of the wisest decisions for caring for your skin. The Herschtal Practice offers skin cancer screening in Boca Raton and the removal of atypical moles or lesions as a preventative measure. 

How to manage your skin cancer risk like a pro:

• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and always wear good sunscreen.
• Ask your dermatologist about the most effective sunscreens to use.
• Don’t use tanning beds. Apply self-tan or tinted sunscreens instead.
• Examine your own skin regularly with advice from your dermatologist.
• Under 40?  Get a professional skin cancer screening at least every 3 years.
• Over 40 or have a family history of skin cancer? Get screened every 6-12 months.
• Ask your aesthetic dermatologist to remove atypical moles or lesions. 

What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer. The vast majority of cases will fall into one of these three categories, with basal cell carcinoma being the most common. 

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, often caused by sun exposure. It’s unlikely to spread if treated early.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk. It can occur on various body parts.
3. Melanoma: Although less common, it’s more aggressive and tends to spread. Melanomas can arise from existing moles or appear as dark spots on the skin.

Some other, less common types of skin cancer that fall outside these three main categories include Kaposi’s sarcoma, Actinic keratosis, Sebaceous carcinoma, and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. 

We recommend against attempting to self-diagnose any skin condition, including cancer, as you may set yourself up for needless worry—only a trained clinician can properly diagnose skin cancers. 

If you suspect you or someone you love may have skin cancer, call The Herschthal Practice at (561) 391-9200   for a consultation. 

What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Skin Cancer?

The most effective skin cancer treatments are photodynamic therapy, laser removal, and surgical removal. Advanced skin cancer cases may also be effectively treated with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. 

Regular skin cancer screenings and early detection are the best ways to help ensure an optimal outcome. Fortunately, recent research into melanomas and other skin cancers has led to newer, more effective treatments. 

The most effective skin cancer treatments fall into three main categories. Surgical, non-surgical, and intensive treatment for advanced cases. 

Here are some examples of each:

Surgical Treatments for Skin Cancer:

• Mohs Surgery: Precise removal layer by layer, often used for basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Excisional Surgery: Removes the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin as a preventative measure.
• Wide Excision: Removes extra normal skin around a tumor.

Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatments:

• Freezing (Cryosurgery): Destroys actinic keratoses and small early skin cancers.
• Topical Treatments: Medications applied directly to the skin.
• Photodynamic Therapy: Uses light and a photosensitizing agent to destroy cancer cells.

Intensive Treatment in Advanced Cases:

• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
• Chemotherapy: For cancers that have spread beyond the original site.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses targeted, high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Skin Cancer Screening and Care at The Herschthal Practice

The Herschthal Practice is your sanctuary for skin health and beauty. We provide a full range of dermatological services to help our clients feel and look as healthy as possible. 

Here, you will also find the very latest in aesthetic dermatological practices to deliver a more vital and youthful appearance and an exemplary line of body and skincare products. 

To schedule a consultation or ask about our services, please call us at (561) 391-9200 or simply follow this link to book your consultation.