Skin cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth. It is often the result of DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. That is why dermatologists advise against spending time in the sun without sunscreen and tell you to avoid UV tanning beds. 

Integrated Dermatology of Boise diagnoses and treats some of the most common types of skin cancer, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma.
• Melanoma.
• Merkel cell carcinoma.

Each of these originates in a different type of skin cell and can eventually spread to other areas of your body if you don’t seek prompt treatment.

Integrated Dermatology of Boise encourages you to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, even if your risk is relatively low. They also encourage you to visit for skin cancer screenings. 

If you ever notice a new mark or lesion on your skin that wasn’t there before or detect changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, book a skin evaluation. Your dermatologist examines the lesion and may take a biopsy (tissue sample) of the lesion.   

They examine the biopsy sample in a lab and test it for cancer. If they don’t find cancer, they might encourage you to keep an eye on the lesion without taking any further steps. If they find cancer, they let you know of your treatment options.

Your skin cancer treatment plan depends on whether the cancer has spread. With early detection before the cancer has spread, treatment is usually easy. But you may need whole-body treatments like chemotherapy if the cancer is malignant.  

A skin cancer treatment plan at Integrated Dermatology of Boise may consist of progressive treatments such as: 

• Surgical excision

Surgical excision involves the removal of the cancerous lesion from your skin using a scalpel or blade, plus a margin of healthy skin around the lesion.  

• Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery involves freezing the cancerous lesion to kill the cancer cells. Typically, dermatologists use liquid nitrogen to perform this procedure.  

The exact treatments you get for skin cancer at Integrated Dermatology of Boise depend on the cancer’s type, severity, location, and size. Your dermatologist might collaborate with other medical specialists to treat your skin cancer if it’s malignant, which means it has spread to areas other than your skin. 

If you need a skin cancer evaluation or screening, call Integrated Dermatology of Boise or schedule an appointment online today.