With a success rate of 99 percent, Mohs surgery is a very popular option for patients with melanomas and other skin cancers. Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederick Mohs, the procedure has undergone some minor changes and refinements to be molded into a highly effective cancer fighting tool. The procedure removes cancer cells with …
Can Photodynamic Therapy Really Treat Skin Cancer?
Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT, uses a photosensitizing agent and particular types of light to treat cancer. The photosensitizing agent produces a form oxygen when it is exposed to certain wavelengths of light. The oxygen then kills the nearby cancer cells. The specific photosensitizing agent and wavelength of light determine how deeply the light …
How Dermatologists Can Detect Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is often discovered after patients visit their doctors to discuss symptoms they are experiencing. When signs of skin cancer are suspected, a variety of tests may be ordered to rule out or confirm the condition. Here is a look at the ways dermatologists determine if skin cancer is present. Exam and Medical History …
How To Treat Cancer Painlessly With Electronic Brachytherapy
Cancer is a disease that continues to wreak havoc on patients in communities around the country. The OC Skin Institute in Orange County C.A. has a new method called the Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy (eBx) radiation system. It allows patients with non-melanoma skin cancer to be treated using an isotope-free radiation source that is targeted to …
The Many Benefits and Uses of Topical Chemotherapy
What is Topical Chemotherapy Used to fight different types of skin cancers, topical chemotherapy is less technical and invasive than other types of chemotherapy. Topical chemotherapy is administered to the skin directly, eliminating the need for the rest of the body to endure the exposure of the treatment. There are two main types of topical …
How Do I Treat Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers?
Once your doctor has biopsied a questionable area of skin and diagnosed either basal or squamous cell cancer, you may face several treatment options. Your Skin Cancer Dermatology Team If your skin cancer is not too advanced, you will probably be treated by your dermatologist, who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases. More advanced cancers …
Can Kids Get Melonoma Skin Cancer? What You Should Know
Melanoma is much more likely to occur in adults. However, it is estimated that 300 children and adolescents are diagnosed with melanoma each year. The good news is that the number of children and teens with melanoma has decreased in recent years. The Truth Behind Melanoma The least common type of skin cancer is melanoma. …
These Are the Warning Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Skin cancer is usually noticed by changes in the skin’s appearance. However, basal cell carcinoma can be difficult to notice, since it can appear to be a noncancerous skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema. Therefore, it is important to recognize the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma. If you have any of these symptoms, …
How Dermatologists Help Determine Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Of all the various types of cancer, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Atypical moles and solar keratoses are two conditions that may eventually develop into skin cancer without treatment. However, there are three recognized types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. …
How to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer with Routine Skin Checks
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier and more successfully it can be treated. Self-skin examinations at home and professional skin checks are important for early detection of skin cancer and melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that self-exams may …