Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer and can cause severe problems for your health if left untreated. At Atlantic Dermatology in Longs, South Carolina, experienced dermatologist Kenneth Warrick, MD, FAAD, and his exceptional staff diagnose and treat skin cancer. They focus on keeping your skin healthy and reducing the chance of life-threatening complications. Call the office today to schedule a dermatology consultation or use the online booking feature.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer causes abnormal skin cells to develop and replicate. When detected early, skin cancer is easily treated. But it’s necessary to know that some forms are more invasive than others. However, advanced stages of skin cancer can be challenging to treat.

The common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. See your Atlantic Dermatology provider at the first sign of unusual or new skin changes.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer symptoms include:

• Bumps or lumps
• Moles or other lesions that change
• Multicolored lesions
• Large or black moles
• Moles with irregular borders
• Open sores that bleed
• Reddish or flesh-colored skin patches
• Pearly or waxy bumps
• Wartlike, scaly, or rough lumps
• Itching or bleeding moles
• New or unusual skin spots

Moles that change in size, color, texture, or appearance can be cancerous. See your Atlantic Dermatology provider as soon as possible after detecting unusual skin changes.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

The most common skin cancer risk factors include:

• Unprotected sun exposure
• Tanning bed use
• Older age
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer

To protect yourself from skin cancer, use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outdoors. Check your skin regularly and report possible problems to your dermatologist as soon as you notice symptoms

How does my doctor diagnose skin cancer?

To determine if you have skin cancer, your Atlantic Dermatology specialist examines your skin and reviews your medical history and symptoms. They might look at a skin sample (biopsy) under a microscope or send it to a lab for analysis. Your specialist then makes a final diagnosis and develops an effective treatment.

How is skin cancer treated?

The most common skin cancer treatments involve:

• Removing the cancerous tissue by freezing it
• Excising it during surgery
• Using the highly effective Mohs surgery

During Mohs surgery, your dermatologist removes cancerous tissue one layer at a time and examines each layer under a microscope until all of the cancer is gone.

You might need chemotherapy or radiation therapy if the cancer has spread to other areas of your body.

Call the Atlantic Dermatology office today or schedule an appointment online to be screened for skin cancer and treated.

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