Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Skin cancer is a very common type of cancer. In fact, it is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
The best treatment is prevention. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen.
What are the treatment options for skin cancer?
There are several treatment options for skin cancer, and the best course of action will depend on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Some of the most common treatment options include:
Mohs micrographic surgery (also known as Mohs surgery or Mohs procedure) is a specialized type of surgery that is used to treat skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The advantage of Mohs surgery is that it allows for the precise removal of cancerous tissue, and it has a very high success rate, up to 99% for primary BCC.
This is the most common treatment for skin cancer. Surgery involves removing the cancerous tissue and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure that all of the cancer cells have been removed.
This treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is typically used for people who are not good candidates for surgery or whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used for people whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body or for people who have a large number of tumors.
This is a newer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. This form of treatment is becoming more common as it is proving to have better outcomes and fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Uses a photosensitizing agent which is applied to the skin, then activated by a special light to kill precancer and cancer
These are cream, lotion, and other topical treatments that are applied directly to the skin. They are often used for cases of BCC and SCC that are in early stages.
It’s important to consult with a medical professional who specializes in treating skin cancer to determine the best course of treatment for your case.
Why choose Dr. Devorah Shagalov?
If you’re concerned about a potentially suspicious mole or lesion or if you’ve already been diagnosed with skin cancer, schedule a consultation with Miami’s leading Mohs surgeon Dr. Devorah Shagalov. Dr. Shagalov is a skin cancer expert who is a board-certified dermatologist and a dual fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and cosmetic dermatologist. Dr. Shagalov’s expertise in skin cancer recognition and removal of skin cancer will ensure that you will receive the gold-standard treatment for skin cancer. Biscayne Dermatology is located in Midtown Miami on the border of Edgewater and Wynwood a few blocks from the Design District, Miami Beach, and Downtown Miami.
At a Glance
Dr. Devorah Shagalov
- Double Board-Certified Dermatologist
- Fellowship-Trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon
- Recipient of numerous dermatology awards
- Learn more
