Treat Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Treatment
According to the websites of both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the NCI (National Cancer Institute), skin cancer is on the rise on our nation. This doesn't seem to coincide with the accessibility of all the high-quality skin products such as sun screen we have available to us these days, especially considering that many of these new products also include antioxidants that help skin remain healthy and, often, cancer-free. However, it does make sense when you learn what many healthcare providers in the country consider to be the most significant contributing factor in this rise in skin cancer, not just in New Jersey, but through the entire country... tanning. First, indoor tanning is considered by many to be the number one reason for the increase in incidents of this potentially deadly disease. And even outdoor tanning is back in style, considering the fact that bronzing is back in style. Here's more information about treating skin cancer from dermatologists.
Thankfully, today there are a number of options skin cancer patients have available to them. Oftentimes, the option chosen will depend upon you, your doctor, the type of cancer, the size, and the area where it's located. In most cases, a biopsy will be performed in order to determine the type of cancer. In fact, in many cases, this initial biopsy will remove the cancer and no further treatment is necessary. In other cases, further treatment will be needed. Talk to your dermatologist in order to determine which treatment option is right for you. Only your healthcare provider will be able to fully explain any potential side effects, as well as success rates of various treatment options for your particular situation.
Most people probably have never heard of it, but it's been around for quite sometime. It's Mohs surgery, named for Dr. Frederic Mohs, a general surgeon who developed the surgery in 1938. Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled surgical procedure that is used to treat many of the more common types of skin cancer, including basal cell (bcc) and squamous cell (scca). During a Mohs surgical procedure, a surgeon will remove a small area of cells and, while the patient waits, the surgeon will perform a tissue examination on that part which has been removed. This will be repeated, oftentimes until the entire cancerous area is removed. Mohs surgery is a popular skin cancer treatment because it often is capable of removing the smallest area of tissue, especially compared to some other types of skin cancer treatment.
Other treatment options available today include liquid nitrogen, lasers, radiation, and chemotherapy. Liquid nitrogen often is used in cases where cancer is detected in an early stage. In this procedure, freezing gas is used in application directly to the area of the skin where the malignancy has occurred. This will kill the diseased tissues, making them easier to be removed. Lasers are also being used to remove some types of skin cancer, as they involve precision that helps to kill cancerous cells in the affected areas. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be options in certain types of cancer, especially in cases where the cancer has metastasized (spread). Some cancers, especially if caught in the earlier stages, may even be treated with certain creams or lotions that contain cancer-fighting medications. These typically are used in cases where any cancerous cells are contained within a small area.
While it's true that many forms of skin cancer are on the rise in the United States, it's also true that the treatments of skin cancer are more accessible and effective today than in the past. It's also important, however, to learn about skin cancer prevention. Such preventive measures taken as drinking enough fluids and remaining properly hydrated, eating a healthy diet, applying sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and staying out of the sun when its rays are most harmful such as at mid-day... these are also important steps in the treatment of skin cancer. For more information about Mohs surgery in New Jersey as well as other skin cancer treatment options, contact a dermatologist in your area.
Thankfully, today there are a number of options skin cancer patients have available to them. Oftentimes, the option chosen will depend upon you, your doctor, the type of cancer, the size, and the area where it's located. In most cases, a biopsy will be performed in order to determine the type of cancer. In fact, in many cases, this initial biopsy will remove the cancer and no further treatment is necessary. In other cases, further treatment will be needed. Talk to your dermatologist in order to determine which treatment option is right for you. Only your healthcare provider will be able to fully explain any potential side effects, as well as success rates of various treatment options for your particular situation.
Most people probably have never heard of it, but it's been around for quite sometime. It's Mohs surgery, named for Dr. Frederic Mohs, a general surgeon who developed the surgery in 1938. Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled surgical procedure that is used to treat many of the more common types of skin cancer, including basal cell (bcc) and squamous cell (scca). During a Mohs surgical procedure, a surgeon will remove a small area of cells and, while the patient waits, the surgeon will perform a tissue examination on that part which has been removed. This will be repeated, oftentimes until the entire cancerous area is removed. Mohs surgery is a popular skin cancer treatment because it often is capable of removing the smallest area of tissue, especially compared to some other types of skin cancer treatment.
Other treatment options available today include liquid nitrogen, lasers, radiation, and chemotherapy. Liquid nitrogen often is used in cases where cancer is detected in an early stage. In this procedure, freezing gas is used in application directly to the area of the skin where the malignancy has occurred. This will kill the diseased tissues, making them easier to be removed. Lasers are also being used to remove some types of skin cancer, as they involve precision that helps to kill cancerous cells in the affected areas. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be options in certain types of cancer, especially in cases where the cancer has metastasized (spread). Some cancers, especially if caught in the earlier stages, may even be treated with certain creams or lotions that contain cancer-fighting medications. These typically are used in cases where any cancerous cells are contained within a small area.
While it's true that many forms of skin cancer are on the rise in the United States, it's also true that the treatments of skin cancer are more accessible and effective today than in the past. It's also important, however, to learn about skin cancer prevention. Such preventive measures taken as drinking enough fluids and remaining properly hydrated, eating a healthy diet, applying sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and staying out of the sun when its rays are most harmful such as at mid-day... these are also important steps in the treatment of skin cancer. For more information about Mohs surgery in New Jersey as well as other skin cancer treatment options, contact a dermatologist in your area.