Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is common. Fortunately, there are treatment options with high cure rates for skin cancer in the early stages. The board-certified team at Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center in Huntington Beach, California, uses Mohs surgery and other advanced techniques to remove cancerous lesions. To explore skin cancer treatments or book a skin exam, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today.

What are the most common types of skin cancer?

Skin cancer develops when cells in your skin reproduce uncontrollably. In many cases, skin cancer is the result of damage from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. 

The team at Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center routinely diagnoses and treats the most common types of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC originates deep in the dermis and is the most common type. Fortunately, it’s also slow to spread. Lesions can take on a variety of appearances, including pearl-like bumps or pink discolored spots. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

The second most common skin cancer is SCC. It can appear as a small sore that doesn’t heal, a red bump, or a scaly skin patch. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most likely to spread. It originates in pigment-producing skin cells. It can alter the appearance of an existing mole or cause a new dark spot. 

Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center can also identify and treat precancerous growths called actinic keratoses. 

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Dermatologists often identify skin cancer during routine skin exams. The Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center team can provide these and teach you to self-examine your skin at home. 

The team takes a biopsy if you have any concerning moles or lesions. That involves removing a tissue sample and examining it more closely for cancerous cells. Alternatively, the team might remove a mole in its entirety and test it. 

Which dermatological procedures treat skin cancer?

The treatment for skin cancer depends on the stage and location. While you might need other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy if the cancer has spread, Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center offers the following cancer removal procedures:

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes precancerous lesions using liquid nitrogen. Occasionally, it can also treat SCC or BCC. 

Electrodessication & curettage (ED&C)

ED&C involves removing cancerous tissue by scraping or burning it. You receive local anesthesia first to numb your skin. 

Wide local excision

Wide local excision involves removing a cancerous lesion and a margin of healthy tissue with a scalpel. The team stitches the incision closed and sends the removed tissue to the pathology lab. 

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs surgery is an advanced surgery that removes skin cancer layer by layer and preserves as much healthy skin as possible. 

Schedule your next skin cancer exam online or over the phone at Z-Dermatology & Skin Wellness Center today.