The skin is the largest organ in the body, and skin cancer can theoretically strike anywhere there is skin tissue. There are several different types of skin cancer, and each has its own requisite forms of treatment. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are two of the most common kinds of skin cancer, and they are typically the easiest to treat. Melanoma, a more rare form of skin cancer, might invade nearby tissues and eventually spread to the rest of the body.

If you want to protect yourself from skin cancer, prevention and early detection are key. At Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic in High Point, NC, quality care is provided from diagnosis to treatment to everyone who walks through their door. To help prepare you, the clinic has provided this guide to skin cancers and their treatments.

Three Common Types Of Skin Cancer And Their Treatments

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

When detected at an early stage, it is fairly easy to treat squamous cell carcinoma. There are several ways to eradicate this type of skin cancer. Effective treatment options include Mohs micrographic surgery, excisional surgery, and cryosurgery.

Basal Cell Carcinoma 

A diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is typically confirmed through a biopsy. Treatment for basal cell carcinoma is nearly always an outpatient procedure, and the surgeon will most likely use a local anesthetic for any treatments. Options include Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, excisional surgery, and laser surgery. In some cases, a topical cream or gel is also be used to treat basal cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

Treatment for melanoma will depend on the location of the cancer and the stage at which your doctor diagnoses it. Doctors will typically treat stage I melanoma with excisional surgery and perform other diagnostic tests to ensure that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Stage II melanoma is treated with a wide excisional surgery and might be followed by a sentinel lymph node biopsy. For stage III melanoma, doctors must remove the primary tumor and perform a lymph node dissection.

Other treatment options for melanoma include radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Stage IV melanoma is hard to treat, so doctors might use an aggressive combination of any of the above treatments and procedures.

When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is critical. You can protect yourself by covering up when you go outside, using sunblock, and visiting a dermatologist regularly. At Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic in High Point, NC, health care providers strive to establish a long-term relationship with each patient so they can note any changes to their skin and provide the best care possible. Visit their website to learn more about treating skin cancer, and call (336) 887-3195 to schedule a skin exam today.