As the weather warms up and more time is spent outdoors, it’s important for people to be aware of the risk of overexposure to sunlight that can potentially lead to skin cancer. As frightening as the “C” word can be, it’s important to remember that skin cancer is very treatable (especially when caught early) and patients typically have more options than they might realize. Just like there are many different types of skin cancers, there are also many different skin cancer treatments. In terms of which treatment is “best”, this depends on the type of skin cancer that a person develops and the area it is located, as well as their preferences and unique circumstances. Today, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants thought it would be helpful to answer some commonly asked questions that we’ve received about how skin cancer can be treated.

Question #1: Is There Such a Thing as a “Minor” Form of Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a serious concern that should never be taken lightly. And while we would never consider a skin cancer diagnosis a minor event, it is true that some cases are more mild, and may only require more simple forms of treatment. For patients with these more mild cases (as well as those with precancers like actinic keratosis), we may be able to effectively treat the skin with just a prescription topical medication. These medications (often creams or lotions) can include topical chemotherapy, topical immunotherapy (imiquimod), or other prescription medications. In some cases, these topical medicines can be used in conjunction with light therapy for skin cancer. Some more mild forms of skin cancer can also be treated with laser treatments at our Laser Institute of Georgia.

Question #2: How Does Mohs Surgery Differ From Other Skin Cancer Surgeries?

Mohs skin cancer surgery is an advanced treatment for skin cancer that requires a dermatologist with extensive experience performing it. It is different from other surgical treatments for skin cancer due to the ultra-precise way it removes affected tissue from the skin without harming the surrounding skin. Additionally, Mohs surgery is especially effective for preventing additional treatments or risk of the cancer reoccurring down the road. Aesthetically, since Mohs surgery is so precise, it may be especially helpful for patients with skin cancer lesions in more sensitive areas that are more prone to scarring, including the face.

Question #3: What Is Recovery Like After Cryosurgery?

Another precancer and benign lesion treatment we utilize is cryosurgery. Despite its name, this isn’t actually surgery that requires any kind of surgical incision. Using this method, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze any affected tissue and neutralize cancerous cells. After cryosurgery has been performed, there may be some redness and blistering in the treated area, as well as some soreness that can last for several days. Scabbing may form, but this will typically peel away within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the area treated.

This time of year, it’s very important to keep tabs on your skin and speak to one of our dermatologists or physician assistants ASAP if you notice any new moles or irregularities on your skin. Vigilance is an incredibly powerful tool in the fight against skin cancer. For more on our services, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule a dermatology appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.