Our board-certified dermatologists in Boca Raton, Florida believe in providing quality skin care and solutions to patients dealing with common dermatological concerns. One service offered through our practice is the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.
There are several different types of skin cancer that fall into one of two categories, melanoma, and non-melanoma. Melanoma is often seen in the form of a mole or birthmark on the body and is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are non-melanoma. These are rarely life-threatening and can be easily detected and treated. Basal cell carcinoma is known for very slow growth while squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive and can spread quickly.
It is important for patients to be aware of noncancerous skin growths that have the potential to become cancerous such as actinic keratoses. The lesions appear red and crusty and they may be removed but reappear, typically on skin that has been heavily exposed to the sun.
When it comes to skin cancer, it is important for patients to understand their risks. In most cases, UV exposure is the primary cause of developing cancer on the skin. The UV rays that come from the sun, x-rays, tanning beds, and sunlamps can result in malignant cell mutations. Fair skinned individuals, and those who have had extensive amounts of UV exposure, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Our doctors provide screenings for skin cancer. They are done as a head to toe examination of the entire body to look for suspicious growths, skin tags, moles, or wounds. Patients are encouraged to avoid nail polish on the toenails or fingernails as these areas are also inspected for skin cancer. Anything unusual or concerning may be removed for a biopsy and examined by a pathologist for cancerous cells. If they are found, patients can then speak with their dermatologist after diagnosis to talk about the various options for treatment, which may include excision or Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
