Skin cancer develops when the skin cells get damaged from various sources such as the sun or radiation. Skin cancer lesions typically appear as a red, scaly growth or patch of skin, an irregular shaped and dark mole, or a skin growth that has a pearlescent look. There are different types of skin cancer, so the appearance of the original growth on the skin varies. The three primary types of skin cancer include; squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and melanomas. There are also several different types of skin cancer treatment in San Antonio. The treatment used depends on the specific type of skin cancer, where it is located, and how large it is.
Treatment Options for Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas
The most common types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas. Both types are typically limited to the skin and surrounding, nearby tissues; however, squamous cell carcinomas may sometimes spread to the lymph nodes. Skin cancer treatment in San Antonio can often be done by removing the tissue that is visibly altered with a procedure known as excision. Other common types of skin cancer treatment include chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery, and Mohs surgery.
Cryosurgery is also a treatment for these types of skin cancer, which involves freezing the altered tissue to kill the cancer cells. A procedure known as electrodesiccation, which involves burning the cancer cells and removing the dead tissue, may also be used. If either of these types of skin cancer are deeper in the skin layers, Mohs surgery may be an option. This procedure is done by cutting out the visually damaged tissue and the remaining layers of cancerous cells in deeper skin layers.
Treatment Options for Melanomas
The least common type of skin cancer is melanoma, which is also a serious form of skin cancer. This type of skin cancer typically involves surgery as it often spreads to other areas of the body. Surgery is necessary to remove the damaged tissues and/or lymph nodes. In some situations, skin cancer treatment in San Antonio may involve chemotherapy to kill off any circulating cancer cells. If you suspect you have any form of skin cancer, it is important to visit your physician for an examination as soon as possible to prevent the risk of further damage.
For more information, contact Limmer Dermatology, or visit online https://limmerdermatology.com/ today.
