Skin cancer or melanoma may be scary, but there’s hope, as it is usually treatable. Learn more about what we can do to treat skin cancers, help our patients recover, and prevent them from recurring.
Skin cancer is the most common form of malignancy worldwide. However, advancements in technology and early detection make both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers highly treatable. At American Hospital, we provide expert and multidisciplinary care for patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Our complete suite of services includes regular screening and assessment for skin cancer, diagnosis, and a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that is developed on the skin due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It causes cells in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) to grow uncontrollably.
Skin cancer falls into one of two categories – melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers include Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These are quite common, usually appearing in the head and neck region, and can be readily treated. Melanoma is a far more serious condition and should be treated without delay.
Plastic Surgeons at American Hospital collaborate with the Dermatology Department and the Mayo Clinic to have a rapid diagnosis of the disease, along with oncologic safe and aesthetically harmonious reconstruction of the affected skin.
Besides sunburn, there are various other factors that contribute to causing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. These may include:
• Skin conditions such as actinic keratosis
• Genetic skin disorders such as Gorlin syndrome
• Excessive use of tanning beds
• Individuals who tend to have more moles on the skin are at a high risk of developing skin cancer
• Excessive smoking
• Aging
• Drugs and treatments that involve radiation etc.
Basal cell carcinoma may be indicated by the following symptoms:
• A reddish and irritated area
• A translucent or slight pink bump
• Open-pore that may bleed too
• Scars on the skin
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear with:
• Painful patches
Melanoma:
• A bump or patch on the skin that bleeds, itches, changes its color, and spreads to other parts of the skin
If you notice any abnormal patch, lump, or mile that bleeds, irritates, and doesn’t improve, it’s wise to get it checkup by a skincare specialist. Your consultant or dermatologist will examine your skin and perform a biopsy that involves taking a small cell sample for testing. This will help establish a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
The American Hospital’s Dermatology team highly recommends annual skin cancer scans and screenings to diagnose and treat cancer as early as possible.
Individuals whose skin cancer doesn’t require aggressive forms of treatment are usually treated with non-invasive procedures. Our non-invasive treatment options include:
• Radiation therapy: This therapy is used to treat non-melanoma cancer through X-rays or other radiations that help kill cancer cells and prevent them from further growing.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment involves drugs and chemicals to treat cancer cells. It works best for patients with less intensity of skin cancer.
• Targeted therapy: This procedure is administered to treat the targeted cancerous cells in a specific area. It causes less damage to the surrounding tissues or healthy cells, unlike chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Photodynamic therapy: In this process, drugs along with a specific light are used to treat cancer. A drug is applied to the affected area which is then exposed to light, killing cancerous cells and causing minimal damage to healthy tissue.
• Immunotherapy: As the name suggests, the immune system of the patient is boosted and restored to fight against cancer.
Surgical procedures like shave excision, cryosurgery, laser surgery, and dermabrasion are used for the treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Surgery involves specialized techniques and procedures to cure skin cancer, preserve the patient’s health and enhance the overall appearance of their skin.
Mohs surgery is amongst the most sought-after surgical techniques. Known for its precision, Mohs surgery is administered through anesthesia to remove cancerous cells from the skin. After the removal of the diseased skin, the Plastic Surgeon carries out a reconstructive surgery to achieve the desired outcomes.
If you’re concerned about the persistent but painful patches or lumps on your skin, or have suspected skin cancer and are looking for expert consultation and treatment options, book an appointment with your Skin Cancer Specialists at American Hospital using our secure online form today!
