What are the types of skin cancer?
Many types of skin cancer affect different parts of the body and cause unique symptoms.
The most common kinds of skin cancer are:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common skin cancer. It appears as a flesh-colored or pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin. These skin lesions most often appear on the head, neck, and arms.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common skin cancer. Lesions appear as a red bump, scaly patch of skin, or a sore that won’t heal. They most often affect the skin that gets the most sun exposure, like the ears, face, neck, arms, chest, and back.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most severe skin cancer because it can spread quickly. This type of skin cancer develops in an existing mole or appears as a new mole. If you’ve noticed a new mole or one that’s changing shape or color, you should contact LUX Dermatology right away to schedule a comprehensive skin cancer evaluation.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
The experts at LUX Dermatology conduct comprehensive skin evaluations to diagnose skin cancer. After examining your skin from head to toe, they remove suspicious lesions and send the tissue samples to their lab for testing.
Once they have the lab results, LUX Dermatology contacts you to discuss your diagnosis and what steps you need to take next.
How is skin cancer treated?
LUX Dermatology offers innovative treatments that separate them from other dermatology practices when it comes to skin cancer treatment.
Treatments they offer include:
Mohs micrographic surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is the single most reliable way to treat skin cancer. The team uses Mohs micrographic surgery to remove most skin cancer lesions including melanoma.
During the procedure, your dermatologist removes the cancerous lesion one layer at a time. They examine each layer under a microscope and continue the procedure until they reach cancer-free tissue.
Mohs has a 99% cure rate.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency energy to destroy cancer cells. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require open surgery.
Electronic brachytherapy (eBx)
eBx is a non-invasive treatment for most skin cancer lesions. During treatment, your dermatologist uses a low-energy X-ray that delivers precise beams of radiation to your lesion.
The team performs eBx twice a week for five weeks. Each treatment takes about two minutes.
Surgical excision
The team does a surgical excision to remove melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer lesions.
To schedule your skin cancer evaluation, call LUX Dermatology today or book an appointment online.
