Skin Cancer Treatments

About 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the United States. Treatment for skin cancer depends on type and stage. Adam Whittington, MD, and providers are a skilled dermatology team that provides skin cancer treatments at Whittington Dermatology. To schedule a skin cancer screening and treatment appointment, call the office in Munster and Hobart, Indiana, or book your consultation online today.

What are skin cancer treatments?

Skin cancer treatments refer to the various therapies and procedures health care professionals use to treat skin cancer. Types of skin cancer treatments include:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a skin cancer treatment that freezes the skin cancer lesion. During this treatment, your dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin cancer cells, which die and fall off. 

Excisional therapy

Excisional therapy is a surgical treatment for skin cancer. For this procedure, your dermatologist uses a scalpel to remove the cancerous lesion and some of the healthy surrounding tissue.

Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is a specialized skin cancer treatment that removes the cancer one layer at a time. This procedure is very effective at removing the cancer while limiting damage to your healthy skin.

Curettage and electrodesiccation

For curettage and electrodesiccation, your dermatologist uses a special tool that scrapes out the cancer cells (curettage) and then uses heat to destroy any cancer cells that remain (electrodesiccation).

Depending on the type of cancer you have and the stage of your cancer, you may need additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. However, removing the cancerous lesion is the primary treatment for skin cancer 

What type of skin cancer treatments do I need?

Whittington Dermatology does a skin cancer screening to determine what type of skin cancer treatment you need. During this screening, your dermatologist examines your skin and may remove or biopsy any abnormal skin growths and send them to the lab for analysis.

Once your dermatologist knows what type of cancer you have and its location, they talk to you about your skin cancer treatment options. Then, together, you decide what treatment makes the best choice for you.

What happens after skin cancer treatments?

Your provider at Whittington Dermatology gives you specific care instructions for you to follow at home after your skin cancer treatment. They also schedule regular skin cancer screenings to monitor your skin for new growths. 

The dermatologist also talks to you about how to protect your skin by using sunscreen, keeping your skin covered with clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak sunlight hours: 10am to 2pm.

To find out more about skin cancer treatments, call Whittington Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.