Skin Cancer
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Advantage Dermatology
Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology serving Jacksonville, FL, Neptune Beach, FL, Atlantic Beach, FL & Jacksonville Beach, FL
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Board-certified dermatologist Oliver Perez, MD, diagnoses and treats all types of skin cancer and precancerous lesions with the most state-of-the-art methodologies. If you need a skin cancer screening or have suspicious spots, call Advantage Dermatology in Neptune Beach or Jacksonville, Florida, today, or use the online booking tool.
Skin Cancer Q&A
Who is at risk of developing skin cancer?
Skin that grows abnormally can lead to skin cancer. Most often, this atypical growth is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds. Anyone of any race or skin color can develop skin cancer, though fair people and those who sunburn easily are at the greatest risk.
Men tend to develop skin cancer more often than women.
What are the types of skin cancer?
Skin cancer is often easy to catch, especially if you come in for regular full body checks at Advantage Dermatology. When diagnosed early and treated, your prognosis is good.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and typically affects people with lighter skin colors. This cancer typically looks like a flesh-colored bump or pinkish patch of skin and is common after years of sun exposure to your face, head, or neck.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common type of skin cancer is SCC. It can show up as a red bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that won’t heal completely. Squamous cell carcinomas are common on your face, neck, ears, arms, or chest.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma sometimes appears as a dark spot on your skin or develops in an existing mole.
Actinic keratosis (AK)
This precancerous condition affects people with fair skin and is usually found on the skin of the head, neck, hands, and forearms. You’ll see them as dry, rough, scaly patches or growths. If left untreated, they will turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
What are the treatment options for skin cancer?
Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer or precancerous lesion you have. Dr. Perez may recommend one or more of the following:
Surgery
Surgery involves cutting away the cancerous lesion and a small amount of the surrounding skin. Mohs surgery is a specialized technique that removes very thin layers of skin. Each step of the way, the skin is examined to see if cancer cells are still present. Skin is shaved away until there is no trace of cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is used when melanoma has spread to your lymph nodes or other organs. Immunotherapy uses your immune system proteins to boost your body’s ability to fight the disease.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs to identify and target specific cancer cells or block the action of genes, enzymes, and proteins that promote the growth and spread of cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation
If you have advanced melanoma, chemotherapy drugs are administered to fight the cancer cells. It’s often used to supplement other treatments but is rarely used as first-line therapy. Radiation therapy uses X-ray energy to kill the cancer cells in melanoma patients.
To learn more about the advanced skin cancer treatments available at Advantage Dermatology, call one of the offices today to set up an appointment or use the online tool to schedule.
