Skin Cancer Treatment in Natick and Needham, MA: Restore Your Skin Health with Expert Care
Skin cancer affects patients of all skin tones. It occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably, often due to long-term sun exposure or ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. While it can appear anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and hands, areas exposed to the sun. At Essential Dermatology, we provide prompt diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer in Needham and Natick, Massachusetts, to promote optimal skin health. With advanced treatments such as Mohs surgery, treating skin cancer has never been more effective and precise.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when DNA damage causes skin cells to grow abnormally. Over time, these cells can form tumors that may spread if not treated. There are three common types of skin cancer, depending on which layer of the skin they start in.
These include:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): It is the second most common type of skin cancer. It starts in the squamous cells that make up most of your epidermis. . SCC is slow-growing and rarely spreads, although it can invade nearby tissues and cause disfigurement if left untreated. SCC grows rapidly and can metastasize without proper treatment.
- Melanoma: Melanoma starts in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and is very aggressive. Melanoma can grow anywhere in the body and may develop from existing moles. Early treatment is crucial, ensuring an almost 100% five-year survival rate.
Each type behaves differently, but early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
Skin cancer may not show any signs at first, which can delay diagnosis. However, any changes or spots in your skin that persist for more than two weeks require professional evaluation. Although these symptoms don’t mean you have skin cancer, you should visit a skin doctor near you.
- A new mole or growth that appears suddenly
- A non-healing sore that itches or bleeds
- A shiny bump that’s red or skin-colored
- A spot that changes in size, shape, or color
- A scar-like growth with irregular borders
- A red rough or scaly spot you can feel
- Dark streaks under nails or unusual pigmentation
The symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on its size and type. However, the rule of thumb is that you should never ignore any change that looks or feels off. Early detection helps treat skin concerns before they progress into more serious, hard-to-treat problems.
How do you treat skin cancer?
Skin cancer treatment in Natick or Needham, MA, is tailored to your specific type of cancer. Treatment options include:
- Skin cancer excision: Your doctor numbs the treatment area with anesthesia and then surgically removes the diseased tissue entirely. Typically, a healthy tissue around the malignancy is removed to ensure no abnormal cells remain.
- Mohs surgery: During this procedure, our Mohs surgeon removes a very thin layer of cancer tissue for closer examination under a microscope. If cancer cells are detected, the doctor removes another layer for examination. This cycle continues until no cancer cells are detected. Mohs is minimally invasive and has a high cure rate. It’s preferable for high-risk cancers or those in visible areas, such as the face.
- Cryosurgery: It’s commonly used to treat actinic keratosis (precancerous growths) and very small skin cancers. Your doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and damage the cancerous tissue.
- Photodynamic therapy: In select cases, the doctor can use specialized light and photosensitizing cream to destroy cancerous cells.
- Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C): The doctor uses a special instrument (curette) to scrape away the lesion, and then uses electrical currents to remove any remaining cancer cells. They are ideal for small, superficial skin cancers.
When treating larger cancers or those with a risk of spreading, treatment can be complex. In such cases, we may collaborate with oncologists to discuss your case and explore improved treatment options. Advanced treatment options include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and more.
Is skin cancer preventable?
While not all cases are preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk with simple daily habits:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day
- Wear protective clothing and hats outdoors
- Avoid tanning beds
- Seek shade during peak sun hours
- Perform regular self-skin checks
- Consider skin cancer screenings at least 1-2 times annually
Healthy skin starts with awareness, protection, and proactive care. Sun protection and routine skin exams are among the most powerful tools for preventing skin cancer and other problems.
Where can I get skin cancer treatment in Natick and Needham, MA?
If you have noticed a suspicious lesion or patch on your skin or have been diagnosed with skin cancer, Essential Dermatology can help. We offer advanced skin cancer treatments with remarkable medical and cosmetic results. Dial (508) 545-9713 (Natick) or (508) 484-8292 (Needham) and schedule your consultation with our team.
