Skin Cancer Treatments and Prevention: Protecting Your Health
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin tone. The good news is that when detected early, it’s highly treatable. Understanding your treatment options and learning how to prevent future damage can make all the difference.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most common types include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Slow-growing and rarely spreads, but can cause damage if untreated.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Can spread to other areas if ignored.
- Melanoma: The most aggressive type, but also highly curable if caught early.
Your treatment plan depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
1. Surgical Removal
The most common approach is physically removing the cancerous tissue. This may involve:
- Excisional Surgery: Cutting out the cancer along with a margin of healthy skin.
- Mohs Surgery: Removing skin layer by layer while examining each under a microscope. This technique preserves as much healthy tissue as possible and doctors often use it for visible areas like the face.
2. Cryotherapy
This treatment freezes and destroys abnormal cells using liquid nitrogen. Doctors typically use it for very small or early-stage cancers.
3. Topical Medications
Certain creams or gels can treat superficial cancers. These stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.
4. Radiation Therapy
High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells. This is often used when surgery isn’t an option.
5. Targeted and Immunotherapy
For advanced melanoma, new treatments can slow cancer cell growth or help your immune system fight the disease.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
Preventing skin cancer starts with protecting your skin every day, not just on sunny afternoons.
- Use Sunscreen Daily: SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Skip Tanning Beds: They significantly increase your risk.
- Do Regular Skin Checks: Watch for new growths or changes in existing moles and freckles. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a skin cancer screening with our dermatology team.
Always consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting any treatment.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you notice:
- A mole that changes in size, color, or shape
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A new growth that looks different from the rest of your skin
Schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist immediately. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.
Living Beyond Skin Cancer
With the right treatment and follow-up care, most people recover fully. Protecting your skin from further UV damage is crucial to reduce recurrence. You can explore our dermatology services in Pittsburgh to learn more about ongoing skin health.
If you have had skin cancer before, your dermatologist may suggest more skin checks. These checks might happen every 3 to 6 months.
Final Thoughts
Skin cancer is common, but it’s also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Stay aware of changes in your skin, protect yourself from harmful UV rays, and seek prompt care if something seems off. The earlier it’s treated, the better the outcome. For more information on related treatments, see our mole removal procedures or review patient testimonials to hear real stories from our community
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — and protecting it is an investment in your health.
FAQs
What is the most effective skin cancer treatment?
Surgical removal, especially Mohs surgery, is highly effective for many cases.Can skin cancer come back after treatment?
Yes, which is why ongoing skin checks and sun protection are essential.How can I tell if a mole is dangerous?
Follow the ABCDE rule — Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving.Is skin cancer always caused by sun exposure?
UV radiation is the main cause, but genetics and other factors can also play a role.Does sunscreen really prevent skin cancer?
Yes, daily sunscreen use greatly reduces your risk.
