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 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 advancement 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.
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.
