Skin Cancer Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC | Réforme
Dermatology & Aesthetics
Cancer, regardless of its type, is an inherently frightening diagnosis for anyone. Luckily, with advances in technology and treatments, skin cancer can be treated efficiently and effectively, especially when detected early. An early and accurate diagnosis is the first step to treating skin cancer. With the expertise and guidance of our expert dermatologist and Mohs surgeons at Réforme Dermatology, patients can go on to live their lives to the fullest—just with a bit more sun protection.
Types of Skin Cancers Explained by Charleston, SC Dermatologist
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. The growth of basal cell carcinoma can be identified by its pink, pearly, translucent appearance that will eventually crust, bleed, and ulcerate. While not typically life-threatening, this type of cancer can harm the affected tissue and may lead to scarring or disfigurement.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Squamous cell carcinomas share similarities to the appearance of basal cell carcinomas, but they can be more aggressive. Although rare, this type of skin cancer can spread internally. Therefore, patients who have or have had squamous cell carcinomas are usually monitored closely to ensure there are no signs of spreading or reoccurrence.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from a mole or normal skin. Melanoma can appear as a pigmented or unpigmented lesion that have asymmetry, irregular borders, are multicolored, have uneven thickening, or grow drastically in a short period of time. If you have moles or other spots, watch them closely and always show them to your doctor. Early detection is essential when it comes to treating melanoma.
Looking for skin cancer treatments in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Daniel Island, James Island, and the greater Charleston area? Learn more about our skin cancer treatments at Réforme Dermatology by contacting our office today.
What Can You Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening at Réforme?
During a consultation at Réforme, patients will be asked about their symptoms, including any changes in size or appearance of the mole or skin lesion in question, including if the lesion is itchy, painful, scabs, or bleeds regularly. They will also be asked if their family has a history of skin cancer and whether they’ve been diagnosed with it.
A physical examination will be conducted on the growth, taking measurements and documentation of its appearance, as well as the patient’s symptoms. The rest of the patient’s body will be examined to ensure all potential growth, lesions, or tumors are documented.
A special microscope called a dermatoscope is used to evaluate the growth. Dermatoscopes help improve the accuracy of the doctor’s diagnosis and help determine if a biopsy is the appropriate next step.
What Happens During a Skin Biopsy?
A skin biopsy is the most accurate way to diagnose skin cancer. All biopsies will be performed using a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. During a biopsy, a part of or the entire growth is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing. Some soreness may occur after a biopsy, and wound instructions will be provided for aftercare. Our office will notify the patient as soon as the results are in from the required tests.
What Skin Cancer Treatments Are There?
Outpatient surgery with local anesthetic is usually the first treatment approach for skin cancer patients. During the procedure, cancerous cells and a minimal amount of surrounding skin are removed to ensure all cancerous cells are gone.
Types of skin cancer cell removal surgeries include:
- Simple excision surgery is when the skin tumor and a minimal amount of surrounding tissue are removed and sent to a lab to be examined by a pathologist.
- Wide excision involves the skin tumor, and a wider margin of healthy tissue is removed. This is most commonly performed for melanoma.
- Shave excision involves the removal of the skin tumor by scraping it off with a razor-like utensil.
- Mohs Surgery involves layers of skin being removed individually and analyzed under a microscope until no cancer cells are left.
- Cryosurgery and Electrodessication involve freezing the cancer cells with a form of liquid nitrogen and scraping.
Why Choose Dr. Vasile for Your Skin Cancer Treatment in Charleston, SC?
As a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Dr. Gabriella Vasile has advanced training in treating various types of skin cancer using Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology. Her focus is providing innovative treatment options that treat medical or cosmetic issues to help prevent and restore the area so that her patients can live a bright and fulfilled future.
Réforme Dermatology’s mission is to provide well-rounded, comprehensive dermatological and medical care for a diverse community in the Charleston area and beyond. Dr. Vasile creates unique dermatological experiences using quality, state-of-the-art equipment and care in a restorative and welcoming environment.
Schedule a Consultation
Explore the fully customizable and transformative dermatological treatments with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile, who combines her extensive knowledge of skin health with her passion for finding innovative reparative and preventative treatments. Dr. Vasile’s collaborative, personalized approach to skin health and vitality meets the specific needs of her patients by utilizing state-of-the-art technology, science-based skincare products, and peer and patient-reviewed techniques and treatments.
With a keen aesthetic eye and precision, Dr. Vasile creates balanced and natural results for a variety of aging and skin-related concerns while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Schedule your consultation today and experience a self-esteem boost with beautiful, healthy, vibrant skin.
FAQs: Skin Cancer Treatment at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics
Why Should You Have Regular Skin Cancer Screenings?
The American Cancer Society strongly recommends annual skin cancer screenings (or more frequent for those patients with a history of skin cancer) for early diagnosis and treatments. When detected early, skin cancer can be more easily treated, and patients are provided with the best possible outcomes.
Are There Topical Treatments for Skin Cancer?
Surgery can be avoided in some cases. Instead, a concentrated cream or ointment can be used to remove or destroy skin cancer cells on the skin’s surface. The topical approach can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments. It is generally preferred to treat the early stages of basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas or for noncancerous or pre-cancerous lesions.
How Can You Prepare for Your Appointment?
A few ways you can prepare for your skin cancer treatment include:
- Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before surgery
- Get plenty of rest
- Shower and wash your hair and face on the day of your treatment
- Eat a balanced and nutritional meal
- Avoid wearing jewelry or makeup if the treatment is performed on the face
- Bring a close friend or relative along to keep you company and assist you in driving home
- Review any pre- and post-treatment instructions provided to you
What does skin cancer commonly look like?
Most people, if not all people have moles, freckles, or pigmentation on their skin. If you’re not a trained dermatologist, it’s difficult to identify if a mark is normal or should be examined by a doctor. The biggest indication that a mark could be cancerous is if it changes over time. It’s important to conduct a monthly self-exam so you can notice any changes to your moles, freckles, or spots.
When performing self-exams, follow the “ABCDE rule” to help you remember what to watch for.
- Asymmetrical moles or marks
- Irregular borders
- Colors that are different shades
- Diameters that exceed 1/4 inch
- Evolving or changing in any way
Are people with dark complexions at risk of developing skin cancer?
Yes, people of all skin tones and ethnicities are at risk of developing skin cancer. Everyone should wear sunscreen and protective clothing each day, especially during peak sunlight hours. It is a dangerous myth that people with darker complexions cannot develop skin cancer. African Americans are notorious for being diagnosed with late-stage melanoma because of this myth.
Can skin cancer form on covered areas of the body?
You can develop skin cancer anywhere on your body; however, skin cancer primarily grows in areas that receive regular sun exposure, like your face, head, arms, back, shoulders, and legs. However, there have been cases of individuals being diagnosed with skin cancer on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet, and underneath their fingernails and toenails.
If I get sunburned, will it turn into skin cancer?
A single sunburn is unlikely to put you at immediate risk of developing skin cancer. However, too much sun exposure increases your chances of developing skin cancer. A suntan and a sunburn indicate that your skin has sustained damage from the sun, making you more susceptible to developing precancerous lesions on your skin.
Is skin cancer life-threatening?
All forms of skin cancer can be treated when identified and caught in the early stages. It is rare for an individual to receive a terminal diagnosis due to a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. Most individuals who receive a terminal skin cancer diagnosis are patients who sought treatment for their skin cancer after it had already grown quite large. If left untreated, melanoma can spread to other body parts. Once melanoma has spread, it is much more difficult to treat. However, the vast majority of people who receive a melanoma diagnosis can successfully treat it.
Can I get skin cancer from a tanning bed?
Yes. Despite what some tanning salons advertise or lead you to believe, tanning beds are no safer for your skin than exposing it to the sun. Both sunlight and tanning beds can expose your skin to harmful UV radiation. Teenagers, young adults, and adults who regularly use tanning beds greatly increase their risk of developing skin cancer.
Is SPF 30 Stronger than SPF 100?
Contrary to popular belief, the number on your sunscreen bottle doesn’t have anything to do with how many minutes of SPF you have from the sun from when you put it on—i.e., SPF 15 equals 15 minutes of protection. The SPF number on a sunscreen bottle measures how many harmful ultraviolet rays it absorbs or reflects away from your skin. There are two kinds of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Each penetrates the skin differently. The SPF rating on the bottle only refers to UVB rays. If the number on the bottle says SPF 15, it blocks 93% of UVB radiation. If the label is SPF 30, it blocks 97% of UVB radiation. After SPF 30, the protection only increases marginally by about 1%. Therefore, SPF 30-50 is usually adequate protection, and anything over SPF 50 is a gimmick.
Which is better, a mineral (physical) sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?
The main difference between mineral (physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they deflect the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are usually titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which create a physical protective barrier on your skin that the sun’s rays bounce off of rather than absorb into.
Rather than deflecting the sun’s rays, a chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays by changing its chemical structure to reduce sun damage. Most chemical sunscreens contain one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, dioxybenxone, homosalate, or avobenzone.
Mineral sunscreens offer the most protection for your skin because they create a barrier between you and the sun. Also, chemical sunscreens wear off faster and are more difficult to distribute evenly on the skin.
Why Choose Réforme Dermatology for Your Skin Cancer Treatment?
As a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Dr. Gabriella Vasile has advanced training in treating various types of skin cancer using Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology.
Ready To Schedule Ready To Schedule Your Appointment at Réforme Dermatology in Charleston, SC?
Skin cancer can be a frightening diagnosis, but Dr. Vasile and her team at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics are here to help with state-of-the-art technology, highly trained medical experience, and personalized treatment approaches. We are committed to providing patients with the best possible outcomes. If you have any questions or suspect that you may have skin cancer, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our practice in Charleston, SC. Dr. Vasile looks forward to meeting you soon.