Skin Cancer Treatment Specialist

Dana Point Dermatology

Dermatologists located in Dana Point, CA

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting as many as 20% of adults by age 70. Skin care specialist Jessica Goerig, MS, PA-C, and board-certified dermatologist Ryan Goerig, MD, at Dana Point Dermatology, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. To schedule an appointment to learn more about your skin cancer treatment options, call the office in Dana Point, California, or click the online booking feature.

949-276-2600

Skin Cancer Treatment Q & A

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells. The abnormalities most often occur in the areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure, such as your face, neck, and hands. However, skin cancer can develop on any part of your body.

You may be more at risk of developing skin cancer if you:

Have a family history of skin cancer
Are fair-skinned
Have a history of sunburns
Get too much sun exposure
Have many moles

The team at Dana Point Dermatology recommends you check your skin regularly to monitor for skin irregularities and growths. Finding skin cancer early increases your chance of cure.

What are the types of skin cancer?

There are four primary types of skin cancer. These types include:

Actinic keratosis (AK)

AK is a precancerous lesion that causes dry, scaly patches of skin that develop on areas of the body that get the most sun exposure.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and creates flesh-colored or pearly lesions. These lesions are most often found on the face, neck, and arms.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

With SCC, you may develop a red bump, scaly patch of skin, or a wound that doesn’t seem to heal.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than the other types of cancer, but is the most serious and can be deadly. These types of lesions may look like an oddly shaped or irregularly colored mole or may appear as a new mole.

Early detection and treatment of all skin cancer types ensure you get the best possible outcome.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

The board-certified dermatologist at Dana Point Dermatology diagnoses skin cancer after a biopsy of the lesion. You should conduct regular screenings of your skin to closely monitor for changes and contact the team when you find any abnormalities.

The team may be able to provide some insight as to what the growth may be during a visual examination, but can only confirm or rule out cancer after proper testing.

What are the treatments for skin cancer?

Treatment for your skin cancer may depend on the type of skin cancer you have, as well as the size and depth of your lesion. For small lesions, the team may be able to remove the cancerous growth during your biopsy.

If your lesion is large, the team may surgically remove the lesion, along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue. The team doesn’t offer Mohs surgery for the removal of skin cancer.

For an evaluation and skin cancer treatment plan, contact Dana Point Dermatology by phone or online today.

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