Skin Cancer Treatments Specialist

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. With early treatment, you have a very high likelihood of cure. Consult the dermatology team at Southwest Michigan Dermatology to get the very best treatments, including the gold standard of Mohs surgery, for your case. Call the Portage, Michigan, office or request an appointment online for a skin check or to evaluate a suspicious mole or lesion.  

What are the types of skin cancer?

Skin cancer affects the cells in your skin. It can develop differently; certain types are more deadly than others. 

The three primary types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas is the most common form of skin cancer. It usually develops because of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. If gone untreated, it can spread to other areas of your body.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas is the second most common form of skin cancer. This type of skin cancer grows sun-exposed areas of your skin. It does have the potential to spread if not treated.

Melanoma

Melanoma is an aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer that begins in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the skin.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

The symptoms of skin cancer depend on the type you’ve developed. Routine self-skin checks and regular professional checks identify suspicious lesions that suggest cancer.

If you see a notable change in skin texture or color, consult with the specialists at Southwest Michigan Dermatology. You should also schedule an evaluation if you notice symptoms, including: 

• Flesh-colored lesions
• Red skin bumps or lumps
• Recurrent scabs that hurt or bleed
• Changes in the size, color, or shape of moles

Early skin cancer detection makes preventing the spread and associated complications easier. 

What are skin cancer treatments?

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, stage, and area affected. 

Excision, which involves shaving or scraping the tumor away, is preferred. Freezing and curettage, and electrodesiccation are other methods for localized cancers. 

Mohs surgery is an advanced technique that ensures all cancerous cells have been removed. The surgery involves removing a small amount of tissue a layer at a time. Each time some tissue is removed, it’s evaluated under a microscope to see if cancerous cells remain. If they do, the doctor goes in for another thin layer until laboratory readings show no signs of cancer.

Mohs surgery has a great advantage because it doesn’t remove excessive amounts of healthy skin. This makes the technique especially valuable in delicate areas, like the face. Mohs surgery is most commonly used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. It has a high cure rate.

A Non-Surgical Treatment Option for Skin Cancer

Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy

Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy (IG-SRT) is a low-dose radiation treatment that very effectively destroys non-melanoma skin cancer and keloids with a 99.3% cure rate. There is no need for anesthesia, minimal risk of infection or scarring, and no need for reconstructive plastic surgery. Patients heal quickly and don’t have downtime or lifestyle restrictions following treatment.

Superficial radiation therapy treats non-melanoma skin cancers. It delivers a precise and calibrated dose of radiation into the skin. 

People with melanoma may need further treatment if there are signs that the cancer has spread. This may include surgery to remove any affected lymph nodes, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. 

To learn more about skin cancer treatments, set up an appointment at Southwest Michigan Dermatology. Call the office today or request online.