Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer causes the cells in your epidermis (the top layer of skin) to divide and multiply uncontrollably. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, but it’s most common on areas of skin that experience regular sun exposure, including the arms, hands, and face.

At Coastal Dermatology & Medspa, Dr. Goyal treats all major types of skin cancer: squamous, basal, precancerous lesions and melanoma.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer symptoms include the following:

• Pearly or waxy bumps
• Scar-like lesions
• Bleeding or scabbing sores that don’t heal
• Firm, red nodules
• Flat lesions with scaly or crusty surfaces
• Lesions that itch or burn
• A mole that changes size or color, or that bleeds
• Noticeable skin discoloration

Make an appointment with Dr. Goyal if you have any skin-related symptoms that worry you. Not all skin changes are caused by cancer, but getting screened just in case is good. Skin cancer is easier to treat when it’s caught early on.

Who is at risk of skin cancer?

Skin cancer affects people from all backgrounds, but several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Having fair skin
• Having lots of moles
• Living in a sunny or high-altitude climate
• A family history of skin cancer
• Exposure to radiation
• A weakened immune system

Exposure to certain substances, like arsenic, can increase your risk of skin cancer.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Dr. Goyal reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your skin. Dr. Goyal orders a skin biopsy if he sees any abnormal moles or growths. He carefully removes a piece of tissue with a scalpel and sends it to a nearby lab for testing. The lab determines if your lesion is cancerous and what type of skin cancer you have.

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the type, location, and stage. Usually, Dr. Goyal recommends conservative and minimally invasive measures, including:

• Freezing (cryosurgery)
• Excisional surgery to remove the cancerous lesion
• Mohs surgery, to precisely treat basal or squamous cell carcinoma
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Radiation therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Biologic therapy

If you have skin cancer that’s spread to other parts of your body, Dr. Goyal may recommend chemotherapy.

Call Coastal Dermatology & Medspa today to explore the treatments for skin cancer, or book your appointment online.