According to the American Academy of Dermatology, thousands of people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. While this statistic may seem shocking, there is also some good news. Through early detection and prompt intervention, skin cancer is very survivable. At Perri Dermatology, we are pleased to provide a range of potentially life-saving skin cancer treatments to patients in Spring, TX and beyond.
Our Skin Cancer Treatment Options
There are three common types of skin cancer, and each one is treated differently. As such, your skin cancer treatment recommendations will be based on your specific diagnosis.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
For BCC, treatment often encompasses curettage and electrodesiccation, a process that involves the dermatologist scraping the carcinoma out of your skin, then using heat to destroy any leftover cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy may also be a viable option.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Like BCC, SCC may sometimes be treated with curettage and electrodesiccation. Other treatment options that work for this type of cancer include chemotherapy and immunotherapy, both of which involve the use of medications to eradicate malignancies.
Melanoma
Melanoma can be addressed via chemotherapy and immunotherapy. An alternative option is lymphadenectomy, a surgery that removes lymph nodes. This option is primarily for stage 3 melanoma.
Other Factors That Affect Skin Cancer Treatment
Other factors that can affect skin cancer treatment options include:
- Breslow’s Depth – how far has the skin cancer spread into the body? Has it spread into other organs or body parts?
- Clark’s Level – how deep into the skin has the tumor grown?
During your initial consultation with Perri Dermatology, we will provide more information about the specific skin cancer treatment options that we recommend for you.
What to Expect from Skin Cancer Treatment
No matter the type of skin cancer diagnosis you receive, Dr. Perri and his team will ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout your treatment.
The specifics of your treatment will depend on the type of treatment employed. Some of the most common options include:
- If your skin cancer is limited to epidermis, a simple excision is usually sufficient.
- Moh’s Surgery is an excision approach limited to sensitive areas such as the lips, nose, and ears. This approach preserves the maximum amount of healthy tissue in the treated area, ensuring that only cancerous skin cells are removed.
- Curettage scrapes away cancer cells and desiccates the treatment area. This is often the best approach for small, non-aggressive cancers.
- Medications, including topical creams, can eliminate superficial cancers in areas of low risk, like the arms and the legs.
Why Should You Visit Peri Dermatology?
Perri Dermatology is one of the most trusted providers of skin cancer treatment in the Spring, TX community. Our medical dermatologist, Dr. Perri, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and similarly serious skin health conditions. Dr. Perri is certified by the American Board of Dermatology, demonstrating the most rigorous standards of training and credentialing. He is committed to the highest levels of patient comfort, safety, and clinical precision.
Don’t Delay Your Skin Cancer Treatment
Roughly one in five Americans will experience skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. Early intervention and rapid treatment can save your life. If you are worried that you might show the symptoms of skin cancer, or if you have a family history of skin cancer, make sure you seek intervention soon.
To schedule a consultation with Perri Dermatology in Spring, TX, reach out to us directly. Call our practice at (936) 522-4966 to ask about skin cancer treatment options.