Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment

Once a skin biopsy confirms the presence of skin cancer, our team will discuss your specific diagnosis, including the type of skin cancer (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma) and its stage. This information guides the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for skin cancer is often highly effective, especially when detected early. Common treatment approaches include:

• Surgical Excision: This is a primary treatment for many skin cancers, where the cancerous lesion and a margin of healthy surrounding tissue are surgically removed. For smaller, early-stage cancers, this may be the only treatment needed.
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: This specialized surgical technique is particularly effective for skin cancers on sensitive or cosmetically important areas like the face, ears, or nose. It involves removing layers of cancer one by one and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This allows for precise removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT): This Non-Surgical option for some forms of skin cancer – particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. SRT uses a low-energy X-ray beam that precisely targets and destroys cancer cells on the skin’s surface with minimal penetration, preserving underlying healthy tissue. This makes it an excellent option for lesions located on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, scalp, or lower legs or an excellent option for those who would otherwise not be good candidates for surgery. SRT is well-tolerated, involves no incisions, and typically results in minimal scarring, making it an appealing choice for patients seeking an alternative to surgery.
• Curettage and Electrodessication: This method involves scraping off the cancerous tissue with a specialized instrument (curet) and then searing the base with an electric needle to destroy remaining cancer cells. It’s often used for smaller, superficial basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Topical Therapies: For certain superficial skin cancers, medicated creams containing agents like fluorouracil or imiquimod can be applied directly to the affected area.
• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing cancerous or precancerous cells with liquid nitrogen, causing them to slough off. It’s typically used for small, early-stage lesions.
• Radiation Therapy: Unlike SRT, this form of radiation is High-energy that is used to destroy cancer cells. This may be an option when surgery isn’t suitable or as an additional treatment.
• Photodynamic Therapy: This two-stage treatment combines a light-sensitizing medication applied to the skin with a specific light source to destroy cancer cells (specifically squamous cancer).
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: For more advanced skin cancers, particularly melanoma that has spread, systemic treatments like targeted therapies (which attack specific chemicals in cancer cells) or immunotherapies (which boost the body’s own immune system to fight cancer) may be recommended.

Our team will work closely with you to determine the best course of action based on your individual needs and the characteristics of your skin cancer.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

Even after successful treatment, ongoing follow-up care is crucial for individuals with a history of skin cancer. The risk of developing new skin cancers or a recurrence of the treated cancer remains. Your follow-up schedule will be tailored to your specific situation, considering factors such as the type, size, and depth of your original cancer, and your overall health.

Regular follow-up appointments at Parkinson Dermatology typically include:

• Thorough Skin Examinations: Our dermatologists will meticulously examine your entire skin surface for any new or suspicious growths.
• Education on Self-Skin Exams: We will teach you how to perform regular self-skin examinations at home, empowering you to be an active participant in your ongoing care. We’ll show you what to look for, such as changes in existing moles (using the ABCDEs of melanoma: 
  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Color variations
  • Diameter greater than 6mm
  • Evolving changes or any new, unusual lesions. 

• Discussion of Sun Protection Strategies: Reinforcing the importance of sun-safe habits is paramount. This includes daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.

For higher-risk cases, such as certain melanomas, follow-up may also include:

• Imaging Tests: Depending on the stage and risk of spread, imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans may be recommended to check for recurrence. (AIM at Melanoma Foundation)
• Lymph Node Examination: If melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, removal of affected nodes may be part of the treatment and ongoing monitoring. (Cleveland Clinic)

Your Partner in Skin Health

At Parkinson Dermatology, we are committed to providing expert, personalized skin cancer care. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through every step of your journey. Remember, early detection and consistent follow-up are key to maintaining healthy skin after a skin cancer diagnosis.

If you have any concerns about your skin or have a history of skin cancer, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today (801-225-8484).

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