Healthy skin plays a crucial role in enhancing our quality of life. At Waterside Wellness, we are dedicated to conducting thorough skin examinations. We recognize the profound impact that early cancer detection can have on your overall well-being.
Waterside Wellness will stand by your side throughout the entire journey – from initial diagnosis to prognosis, treatment, and ongoing support. We will provide guidance, empowerment, and address all of your inquiries. It's essential to understand that skin cancer is highly manageable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, boasts a 90% five-year survival rate among patients who undergo prompt treatment.
What are the different types of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops as an atypical proliferation of skin cells. The trio of frequently encountered types encompasses basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Our team of skin cancer experts will evaluate and classify your specific skin cancer type, tailoring an optimal treatment plan suited to your needs.
Basal cell carcinomas account for 80% of skin cancer cases, representing the most prevalent and least aggressive variant. These typically arise from prolonged sun exposure.
Given that squamous cells reside on the skin's outer layer, their susceptibility to sunlight and other ultraviolet sources significantly fuels the emergence of this cancer variety. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in two out of every ten individuals diagnosed with skin cancer and, when unaddressed, has the potential to advance to other body regions.
Melanoma stands as the rarest but most perilous manifestation of skin cancer. Emerging within melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of your skin, melanoma possesses a greater propensity for growth and dissemination compared to other skin cancer types.
Surgical dermatology is a specialized branch of dermatology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions such as benign and malignant skin growths, skin cancers, cysts, moles, and other skin abnormalities.
Some common surgical dermatology procedures include:
Excision: Removal of skin lesions, such as moles, cysts, or skin cancers, with a scalpel or other surgical tools. This is typically done under local anesthesia.
Mohs micrographic surgery: A specialized technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This procedure involves removing the cancerous tissue in thin layers, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, and examining each layer under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells have been removed.
Cryosurgery: The use of extreme cold, usually through liquid nitrogen, to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such as warts, actinic keratoses, and certain types of skin cancer.
Laser surgery: The use of high-intensity light to treat a variety of skin conditions, including vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, and certain types of skin cancer.
Electrosurgery (Cautery): The use of electric current to destroy abnormal tissue or control bleeding during surgical procedures.
Skin grafts and flaps: Surgical techniques used to repair or replace damaged or missing skin, often after skin cancer removal.