Skin cancer can be a very serious condition. Thankfully, treatments are available for all major types of skin cancer including:
Each type of skin cancer has its own set of treatment options available. The type of treatment the skin cancer dermatologist in our Orange County dermatology office will recommend depends on the extent of the skin cancer, its location, and the type.
Some of the skin cancer treatments available in our Orange County dermatology offices include:
Surgical Removal
Many small skin cancer lesions can be removed by surgery. For many types of skin cancer, this will be the only treatment that is necessary.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves freezing off a skin cancer lesion by using liquid nitrogen on the lesion. Over a short period of time, the cancerous tissue dies and falls off leaving healthy skin behind.
Curettage and Desiccation
Curettage and desiccation treatment is often used by the dermatologist in conjunction with surgical removal of a growth. A curet is used to remove layers of skin. The dermatologist then uses an electric needle to remove additional cancerous tissue and suspected cancerous tissue.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is utilized when it is desirous to preserve as much healthy skin tissue as possible in the vicinity of a cancerous lesion. During Mohs surgery, the dermatologist removes very thin layers of skin and examines each layer under a microscope for the presence of cancer. Layers are removed and examined until no cancerous tissue is detected.
Radiation Therapy
When surgical means are not sufficient to remove skin cancer in its entirety, radiation therapy is often recommended.
The dermatologist may recommend other forms of treatment for skin cancer including the use of prescription creams. Whatever form of treatment is used, skin cancer is highly treatable with a good cure rate.