28
Jul
Skin Cancer Care: Your Path to Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment
At Essential Dermatology, we proudly offer skin cancer treatment to patients in Natick, Needham, and the surrounding areas. Our team has the experience and expertise to prevent, diagnose, and treat several types of skin cancer, including melanoma. The prospect of skin melanoma can be overwhelming, but we are here to guide you with expertise and compassion.
Who is at risk of skin cancer?
Anyone can develop melanoma, but certain factors increase your risk. Here are the known risks for skin cancer, and the risk increases if multiple factors are present.
- Prolonged sun exposure.
- Poor genetic predispositions.
- A history of severe sunburns.
- Use of tanning beds.
- Fair skin, light-colored eyes, or blond or red hair.
- Having many moles or atypical moles.
- A personal or family history of melanoma.
- Patients with a weakened immune system, such as transplant recipients.
Even people without known risk factors can develop skin cancer. That’s why routine skin exams are important for everyone.
How does Mohs surgery work for skin cancer?
Treating skin cancer in Needham depends on the size, type, and location of the malignancy. Superficial skin cancers may only require topical medications, but deeper ones may require surgical removal.
At Essential Dermatology, Mohs surgery is one of the most effective ways of treating skin cancer. For this specialized technique, your Mohs surgeon removes skin cancer layer by layer while the margins are examined under a microscope. Mohs surgery is popular because it is minimally invasive and has the lowest recurrence rate for certain cancers.
Call Our Office for More Information
Essential Dermatology - Natick
New Patients: (508) 545-9713 | Existing Patients:
(508) 827-2615
Essential Dermatology - Needham
New Patients: (508) 484-8292 | Existing Patients:
(508) 827-2615
Cosmetic Appointment
Is skin melanoma preventable?
At Essential Dermatology, we believe the best problems are those that never occur. While not every case is preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk by protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Here are steps you can take to prevent skin cancer.
- Wear sunscreen daily: Use sunscreen every day, even when it’s overcast. Reapply every two hours, and also after swimming or if you’ve been sweating.
- Seek shade: Minimize direct sunlight exposure, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as this is when UV rays are at their most intense.
- Put on safety gear: Long-sleeved clothes, UV-blocking sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats can provide an additional layer of defense.
- Avoid tanning beds: There is no such thing as a safe tan from indoor tanning. Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
- Administer skin self-exams: Become familiar with your skin so you’ll notice any new or changing spots. Use a mirror or ask a family member to help examine hard-to-see areas, such as your back and scalp.
- Adhere to routine skin cancer screenings: Even with self-exams, you still need a professional. Routine professional skin exams can help detect suspicious lesions that you may not notice yourself. Skin cancer screenings are quick and painless, but they help detect skin cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
Prevention is the easiest, most affordable way to keep your skin cancer-free. Prioritize prevention today, and take a step closer to optimal skin health.
Who offers skin cancer treatment in the Needham area?
Skin cancer is common, but it’s easy to treat when discovered early. At Essential Dermatology, we offer effective skin cancer treatment to help you reclaim your healthy, confident skin. Please dial (508) 545-9713 (Natick office) or (508) 484-8292 (Needham office) and schedule your skin cancer screening or treatment at our dermatology office.
