Melanoma, or skin cancer, is the easiest cancer to detect and treat. A dermatologist usually looks for growths, dry patches, and any moles that may be present on the skin using a dermoscope. Carrying out a biopsy of any suspected area can reveal if what is observed is really cancer or just an infection of the skin. If the cells are found to be cancerous, various techniques can be used for skin cancer treatment in San Antonio.
Excision
This is a technique that involves a dermatologist numbing the affected area and surgically cutting it out with a little margin. This procedure is pretty straightforward, and can be effective in treating melanoma.
Mohs Surgery
A mohs surgeon removes any affected skin to eliminate the cancer. They also remove a little normal looking skin around the area, just in case it contains cancerous cells as well. Unlike excision, this method has to be undertaken by a specific surgeon and involves removing one layer of the skin at a time. Although the procedure may take more than one day, it is very effective in treating skin cancer.
Curettage and Electrodessication
This method works well with basal and squamous cell cancers. A curette is used to scrape the cancerous area before using an electric needle to burn any remaining cells. This procedure has to be carried out multiple times for all the melanoma cells to be removed or cauterized.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
This is a nonsurgical technique that is quickly gaining popularity. First, a chemical is applied to the skin and left to sit for a couple of hours. Then, this part of the skin is exposed to light that kills the cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy
If the cancerous cells have spread further than the skin, chemotherapy becomes the best solution for killing those cells. Although it is effective, the patient has to be prepared for a number of side effects.
The best method for skin cancer treatment in San Antonio is chosen based on many different factors. Therefore, do not request a specific one, but let your dermatologist choose what they deem effective for your case.
