If skin cancer is diagnosed early, then it can be treated effectively. Dr. Krathen can diagnose skin cancer during a screening at Essential Dermatology in Natick, MA. We offer a range of surgical and non-surgical options that can be customized to fit your specific situation and concerns. Talk to Dr. Krathen to get started on finding the right method for you.
What Kind of Treatments Are There?
At Essential Dermatology, we offer the latest techniques to treat skin cancer. All of the methods we use have proven effective and we will work with you to find the one that suits you best.
Surgical Treatments
These treatment options should be performed by an experienced dermatologist and are some of the most effective treatment options. These are:
Surgical Excision
This procedure uses a surgical blade to cut out the cancer from the affected area. The skin will be stitched together afterward and bandaged to help the wound heal properly. It can be performed in-office with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
Mohs Surgery
This option is an excellent option for patients who have skin cancers located on the head/neck or have aggressive features. It is performed using a microscope that analyses each layer of the skin that is removed to check for any sign of cancer.
Curettage
This method is performed using a local anesthetic. During the procedure, a special instrument called a curette is used to scrape away the tumor. The area can then be treated with an electrode to kill any cancerous cells.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Many patients often opt for non-surgical options for many different reasons. With more technological advancements, non-surgical options are becoming more and more effective for treating skin cancer.
Cryotherapy
This treatment is very effective for pre-cancerous cells and small carcinomas. It uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancerous cells. Patients may notice some blistering and swelling of the skin, it may take a few weeks for the skin to heal from this option.
Photodynamic Therapy
This procedure uses laser light energy on the skin to damage any cancerous cells.
Radiation Therapy
This method uses high-frequency rays on the skin to kill any cancerous cells. It is most effective when combined with other treatment options and can also be used after surgical removal.
Topical Chemotherapy
This method is most effective for pre-cancerous conditions. It uses a topical medication to kill the cancerous cells. Dr. Krathen can prescribe this to you and create an effective treatment plan.
Skin Cancer Treatment FAQs
How can I tell whether a spot on my skin could be skin cancer?
Skin cancer can appear in many forms, including sores that do not heal, rough patches, pearly bumps, scaly lesions, or moles that change in size, shape, or color. Some skin cancers itch, bleed, or become tender, while others develop silently over time. Because harmless spots can resemble dangerous lesions, professional evaluation is important. Dr. Michael Krathen performs comprehensive skin cancer screenings at Essential Dermatology in Natick and Needham, MA, to identify suspicious lesions and recommend appropriate treatment quickly.
Why is early diagnosis so important when treating skin cancer?
Early detection significantly improves treatment success and may allow for less invasive treatment options with better cosmetic outcomes. When skin cancer is diagnosed before it spreads deeper into surrounding tissues, procedures are often simpler and recovery may be easier. Delayed treatment can increase the risk of tissue damage and more complex reconstruction. Dr. Krathen emphasizes regular skin evaluations and prompt attention to suspicious lesions to help patients throughout Needham and Natick maintain healthier skin and reduce long-term complications.
What is the difference between Mohs surgery and standard excision?
Standard surgical excision removes the visible cancer along with a margin of surrounding tissue, while Mohs surgery removes cancer layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope during the procedure. Mohs surgery is especially valuable for cancers located on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face because it preserves as much healthy tissue as possible. Dr. Michael Krathen carefully evaluates each patient’s diagnosis, cancer type, and lesion location to determine which treatment approach offers the best results.
Can non-surgical skin cancer treatments be effective?
Yes. Certain early-stage skin cancers and precancerous lesions may respond well to non-surgical treatment options such as cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, or radiation therapy. The most effective treatment depends on factors including the cancer type, size, location, depth, and overall patient health. Some non-surgical approaches are best suited for superficial cancers or patients seeking alternatives to surgery. Dr. Krathen develops individualized treatment plans at Essential Dermatology based on each patient’s specific diagnosis and skin health needs.
How often should patients receive professional skin cancer screenings?
Screening frequency varies depending on a patient’s personal history, family history, skin type, sun exposure, and previous skin cancer diagnoses. Patients with a history of skin cancer or significant sun damage may require more frequent evaluations. Even individuals without obvious concerns can benefit from routine professional skin checks. Dr. Michael Krathen provides personalized skin monitoring recommendations at Essential Dermatology to help patients in Natick and Needham detect suspicious changes early before more advanced treatment becomes necessary.
What happens during a skin cancer consultation with a dermatologist?
During a consultation, Dr. Krathen carefully examines the skin and reviews the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and any concerning lesions or changing spots. If necessary, a biopsy may be performed to determine whether cancerous or precancerous cells are present. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options are discussed based on the lesion type, location, and severity. Essential Dermatology provides personalized skin cancer care designed to prioritize both medical effectiveness and cosmetic outcomes for patients throughout the greater Boston area.
Where can I find expert skin cancer treatment in Natick or Needham, MA?
Patients seeking advanced skin cancer diagnosis and treatment can visit board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Krathen at Essential Dermatology. The practice offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment options for precancerous lesions, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other skin cancers. Dr. Krathen carefully tailors treatment plans using both surgical and non-surgical techniques depending on each patient’s condition. To schedule an appointment, call the Natick office at (508) 545-9713 or the Needham office at (508) 484-8292.
Schedule a Consultation
Skin cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early on. Come into Essential Dermatology today to set up a screening and get started on treatment. Dr. Krathen understands that this can be a stressful time, but he can recommend the right options to help you and your skin stay healthy and cancer-free.
To get started, call our office at (508) 545-9713 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
