Advanced Skin Cancer Treatments
Risks of skin cancer can be reduced when you protect yourself from the sun, are aware of suspicious growths, and visit your dermatologist for regular check-ups.
The Board Certified Dermatologists of Westlake Dermatology provide advanced skin cancer diagnosis and treatment options in Houston at our River Oaks and West University locations.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a common form of cancer that can occur on any area of the skin, even areas that are not ordinarily exposed to the sun. Skin cancer is an accelerated growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). The mutation is caused by unrepaired DNA damage. Skin cancer cells multiply rapidly often forming malignant tumors.
People of any age or skin color can develop skin cancer. Left untreated, skin cancer can be dangerous as it can spread to other organs. There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
When it comes to treating skin cancer, early diagnosis is the key. Typically, skin cancer that is discovered and removed in its early stage is highly curable. As such, regular self-examination is a powerful tool which can alert you to changes in your skin. A change in a mole may indicate a serious problem. Your dermatologist should be seen if you notice that a mole becomes larger, changes color, is asymmetric, or develops an irregular border. Other warning signs include itching, crusting, pain, and bleeding.
While monthly self-examination is great, having an annual professional skin check is highly recommended. Dermatologists are trained to detect cancerous symptoms early.
Annual Skin Cancer Checks
During an annual skin check a dermatologist will inspect your skin from head-to-toe, using a dermatoscope if it’s necessary to inspect individual lesions. If your dermatologist spots any suspicious lesions or moles, your doctor may encourage a skin biopsy to determine if the moles are cancerous.
Skin checks are fast and easy. Most screenings can be performed in about 10 minutes, depending on the number of moles that must be inspected.
Skin checks are typically covered by most major insurance providers. Please visit our insurance page to learn which plans our Houston physicians currently accept. If you are unsure of what your specific plan covers, please contact your insurance provider directly.
Skin Cancer Treatments
Skin Cancer Excision
During excisional surgery, the skin cancer, along with a surrounding border (margin) of healthy skin, is surgically removed using a scalpel. The wound is then closed using sutures. Excised tissue is sent to a dermatopathology lab to verify that all cancerous cells have been removed. This method is safe and effective in the treatment of skin cancer in many cases.
Alternative Treatments
While excision is typically the most effective form or treatment, there are several other effective treatment options. These include:
- Mohs Surgery: combines the surgical removal of the tumor with the immediate microscopic examination of the tumor and underlying diseased tissue
- Topical medications including Imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
- Cryosurgery: The use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy tumor tissue
- Radiation Therapy: The use high energy rays or particles to kill cancerous cells
- Chemotherapy
Treatment for skin cancer varies according to the location, type, extent, aggressiveness of the cancer, and the patient’s general health. Westlake Dermatology physicians can assist you in choosing the most appropriate treatment option.
About Westlake Dermatology Houston
Westlake Dermatology is a leading provider of medical dermatology in Texas, with 19 locations throughout Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Our Houston team of board certified dermatologists and knowledgeable staff are committed to helping patients by tailoring treatments to suit each individual’s unique needs and requests. Each of our locations is able to provide a full range of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment services including skin exams, biopsies, and dermatological surgery.
Meet Our Houston Dermatologists
- Neil Farnsworth, MD: Dr. Neil Farnsworth is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Farnsworth believes in a comprehensive approach to dermatology, with a special emphasis on regular maintenance of the skin’s health through sun-protection, use of the proper personal care products, and regular screenings against potential assaults such as infections, skin cancers, and autoimmune disease.
- Quynh-Giao (QG) Sartor, MD: Dr. QG Sartor was born into a first-generation Vietnamese-American family and grew up within the Houston inner loop. She obtained a Medical Doctorate and completed her internal medicine internship and dermatology residency at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston. Dr. Sartor’s professional expertise includes medical dermatology as well as in-office cosmetic and surgical procedures, for which she is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.