For more than a decade, Wilmington Dermatology has been the area’s go-to source for results-focused dermatological treatments and skin care. One of the most serious conditions for your skin is skin cancer, but our team offers skin checks to diagnose and catch any irregularities before they become dangerous.
Types of Skin Cancers
Basil Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and develops at the base of the outer skin layer, or epidermis. Basal cells typically present as a shiny bump or nodule that is pearly, pink, brown or translucent; an open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and does not heal; or a reddish scaly patch or irritated area. It’s estimated that one in three adults will be diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma in their lifetime.
Treatment options include electrodesiccation (high-frequency pulses that destroy dangerous tissue), curettage (using a tool called a curette to scrape away cancerous cells), topical chemotherapy creams, excision with stitches, Mohs micrographic surgery, and radiation. Treatment choice depends on the type of basal cell carcinoma, location, size, and age of the patient.
Melanoma
Melanoma originates from melanocytes, or tanning cells. If caught early, it’s almost 100% curable — but if not treated promptly, it may spread and can be fatal. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults aged 25 to 29 and is increasing faster in females aged 15 to 29 than males in the same age group. Cases of melanoma have increased in the past 30 years, and it’s most frequently found in the torso, which might be due to high-risk tanning behaviors. Other risk factors for melanoma include history of a lot of sun exposure including sunburns, fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes, many moles and freckles, and a family history of melanoma. Excessive sunlight is the primary cause of melanoma.
Surgery is the only cure for melanoma. An area of normal skin around the melanoma is excised to make sure all the cancer is removed. Sometimes, lymph nodes are also biopsied. If the cancer has metastasized, you may require further surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, which arises in the outermost portion of the skin, called the epidermis. Anyone with a substantial history of sun exposure can develop squamous cell carcinoma. Especially at risk are people that are older; have fair skin; have light eyes; or have occupations or hobbies that primarily take place in the sun. Immunosuppressed individuals, especially organ transplant patients, are also at high risk.
We have options to treat squamous cell carcinoma, including electrodesiccation, standard surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, topical chemotherapy creams, radiation, and curettage. During a curettage session, we use a tool, known as a curette, to scrape out cancerous cells and tissues. It also uses high frequency electric impulse bursts to eliminate any surviving cells or tissues with cancer.
Basil Cell Carcinoma
Basil Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and develops at the base of the outer skin layer, or epidermis. Basal cells typically present as a shiny bump or nodule that is pearly, pink, brown or translucent; an open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and does not heal; or a reddish scaly patch or irritated area. It’s estimated that one in three adults will be diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma in their lifetime.
Treatment options include electrodesiccation (high-frequency pulses that destroy dangerous tissue), curettage (using a tool called a curette to scrape away cancerous cells), topical chemotherapy creams, excision with stitches, Mohs micrographic surgery, and radiation. Treatment choice depends on the type of basal cell carcinoma, location, size, and age of the patient.
Melanoma
Melanoma
Melanoma originates from melanocytes, or tanning cells. If caught early, it’s almost 100% curable — but if not treated promptly, it may spread and can be fatal. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults aged 25 to 29 and is increasing faster in females aged 15 to 29 than males in the same age group. Cases of melanoma have increased in the past 30 years, and it’s most frequently found in the torso, which might be due to high-risk tanning behaviors. Other risk factors for melanoma include history of a lot of sun exposure including sunburns, fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes, many moles and freckles, and a family history of melanoma. Excessive sunlight is the primary cause of melanoma.
Surgery is the only cure for melanoma. An area of normal skin around the melanoma is excised to make sure all the cancer is removed. Sometimes, lymph nodes are also biopsied. If the cancer has metastasized, you may require further surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, which arises in the outermost portion of the skin, called the epidermis. Anyone with a substantial history of sun exposure can develop squamous cell carcinoma. Especially at risk are people that are older; have fair skin; have light eyes; or have occupations or hobbies that primarily take place in the sun. Immunosuppressed individuals, especially organ transplant patients, are also at high risk.
We have options to treat squamous cell carcinoma, including electrodesiccation, standard surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, topical chemotherapy creams, radiation, and curettage. During a curettage session, we use a tool, known as a curette, to scrape out cancerous cells and tissues. It also uses high frequency electric impulse bursts to eliminate any surviving cells or tissues with cancer.
TESTIMONIALS
