Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types and is a malignant condition that begins with the growth of abnormal cells typically in the top layer of the skin. More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year on over one million people in the United States alone. Worldwide the number is much higher and has been increasing over the last few decades as detection devices have significantly advanced making skin cancer the most frequently diagnosed cancer.
Living in sunny South Florida increases the risk of skin cancer for people, which is one of the reasons we have a dedicated skin cancer treatment center within our office to offer the most up to date treatments using state-of-the art equipment especially designed for the treatment and cure of skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Basal cell cancer is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell cancer also rarely spreads, but it does so more often than basal cell cancer. However, it is important that skin cancers be found and treated early because they can invade and destroy nearby tissue.* Melanoma skin cancers still must be treated with specific procedures, such as MOHS.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – is the most common and least aggressive type of skin cancer. It often appears as a shiny or translucent pimple-like bump, which can develop into a non-healing sore and be locally destructive to surrounding tissue, usually on the face, scalp and trunk.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SSC) – most often appears as a firm, pink bump on the sun-exposed areas of the face, scalp and extremities.
These two types are non-melanoma skin cancers and easily treated. We offer a revolutionary new treatment called Superficial Radiotherapy or SRT-100 for short that is extremely effective in removing Basal and Squamous skin cancers. SRT is a safe, painless non-surgical treatment. There is no downtime and no scarring so there are no ugly scars or disfigurement. SRT-100 removes the skin cancer not your skin!
Read more about SRT-100 Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment
Melanoma – is a very serious form of skin cancer that accounts for most skin cancer-related deaths. However, if it is caught early, it can be successfully treated and cured. Melanoma skin cancer lesions can appear anywhere on the body and are detected when a spot changes in color, shape or size rapidly (within several months). Melanoma affects all age groups, and can be cured and treated in its early stages. For patients who have this skin cancer we offer the best treatment available, MOHS micrographic surgery. Performed in the comfort of our office, this highly specialized and precise treatment has the highest cure rate for skin cancer, with most patients requiring only a single surgery to remove their cancer. MOHS is the very latest in accurate and complete skin cancer removal.
Read more about MOHS for Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment
Prevention
Prevention is the best defense against skin cancer, minimizing time in the sun and exposure to damaging ultra violet rays is key. Wearing protective clothing, like hats, long sleeve shirts and pants as well as using sun screen daily are good guidelines to follow. However, regular skin exams are key, to early detection.
Skin cancer is serious and can be deadly. There are different choices and options for treatments depending on the type and severity of skin cancer. That is why we have created the skin cancer center to provide you with the best options and the latest treatments. Our highly trained medical specialists are dedicated to helping you treat and prevent skin cancer. We have the training and expertise to accurately diagnose and treat any potential skin lesion or skin cancer, and will recommend the most effective treatment.
Be sure to schedule an annual skin exam to look and stay healthy.
