Skin Cancer Treatment at Lanoi Dermatology
Skin Cancer Treatment
At Lanoi Dermatology, we believe that beautiful skin is healthy skin. Living in sunny San Diego, CA we know how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. That’s why we focus on daily sun protection and proactive care to help you maintain your skin’s natural beauty and prevent long-term damage.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting millions each year. The good news is that when detected early, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Our dedicated team of board-certified dermatologists is committed to empowering you through education, regular screenings, and personalized prevention strategies tailored to your needs.
CHERISH THE SKIN YOU’RE IN.
PROTECT IT, MAINTAIN IT, BE CONFIDENT IN IT.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when DNA in skin cells is damaged, most often by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This damage triggers mutations that cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. While it can appear anywhere on the body, it is most common on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 8 out of 10 cases. It often appears as a waxy bump or a flat, flesh-colored scar-like lesion. BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body but can cause significant damage to surrounding tissue if not treated.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, SCC often looks like a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusty surface. It can grow in sun-exposed areas and may also develop on chronic non-healing sores or burns.
- Melanoma: This is the most serious and least common type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing one. It is crucial to detect melanoma early because it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
It’s common to wonder what a skin cancer spot actually looks like. The truth is, it can vary greatly. Knowing the general appearance of each type can help you identify a suspicious spot.
Knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
We recommend you perform regular self-exams to check your skin.
Skin Cancer Treatment
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. We recommend you perform regular self-exams to check your skin. If you notice any of the following, please schedule an appointment for a full body skin exam with us right away.
The ABCDE rule is a simple guide to help you identify suspicious moles:
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
- B is for Border Irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C is for Color: The mole has uneven shades of brown, tan, black, white, red, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Other warning signs for skin cancer include a sore that doesn’t heal, a new or changing spot, or a lesion that itches, bleeds, or is tender.
The key is to look for anything that is new, changing, or just looks different from the other spots on your skin—we often refer to this as the “ugly duckling” sign. If a spot stands out from the rest, it’s worth getting it checked out by a professional.
Regular skin cancer screenings are your best defense.
Your Path to Healthy Skin:
Skin Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Regular skin cancer screenings are your best defense. Our dermatologists in San Diego perform thorough full body skin exams to check for any suspicious spots. The screening is a quick and painless process where we examine your skin from head to toe.
If we find a suspicious spot, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small sample of the skin tissue and sending it to a lab for analysis. The results will confirm if the spot is cancerous and, if so, what type it is.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options at Lanoi Dermatology:
The good news is that most skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early. At Lanoi Dermatology, we offer a range of advanced dermatology treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Mohs Surgery
This highly specialized procedure is used for complex skin cancers in sensitive areas. The surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer and examines each one under a microscope until all cancer cells are gone. Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate and minimizes the amount of healthy tissue we have to remove.
Surgical Excision
For many skin cancers, surgical removal is the most effective treatment. The dermatologist cuts out the cancerous tumor and a small margin of healthy skin around it.
Topical Treatments
Certain superficial skin cancers can be treated with medicated creams or gels applied directly to the skin.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy X-rays can be used to destroy cancer cells, often as a non-surgical option.
Prevention is Key
While we’re here to help with treatment, we also want to help you with prevention. Living in sunny San Diego, CA it’s important to protect your skin.
- Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily.
- Sun Protection: Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Protective Clothing: Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
San Diego Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs
Early detection and expert care are critical. Our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive skin exams and advanced, effective treatments in San Diego. Here are answers to common questions about skin cancer care at our clinic.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening in San Diego, CA
Don’t wait. Your skin health is important, and early detection saves lives. If you have any concerns or haven’t had a recent skin check, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists in San Diego. We’re here to help you feel confident and safe in your skin.
