How Do Dermatologists Diagnose and Treat Skin Cancer?

Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with skin cancer? Or do you suspect you have this common skin disease? With skin cancer affecting one out of five individuals in the United States, it’s no surprise that more and more people are seeking additional information about this dangerous disease. 

To get a better idea of how the experienced board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology diagnose and treat skin cancer at this state-of-the-art practice in Brentwood, TN, we sat down with Dr. Kira Mayo, M.D. 

She answered all of our must-know questions with expert answers to provide a well-rounded picture of skin cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. 

What are the most common skin cancers you diagnose at Brentwood Dermatology? 

While we diagnose several different types of skin cancers at our dermatology practice in Brentwood, TN, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin cancers, followed by melanoma.

When examining a suspicious spot or lesion that may be skin cancer, what are the initial signs you first look for? 

A new or changing lesion or a lesion that lingers, grows in size, and/or starts bleeding are common signs of skin cancer. 

Is there anything that sets two skin cancers apart from one another when diagnosing? For example, how does basal cell carcinoma show up differently compared to melanoma? 

Skin cancers often appear very different from each other on clinical exams. Basal cell carcinomas, for example, may appear as a pink pimple-like bump, while melanomas may appear as a dark, changing mole. 

As such, it is critical to see a board-certified dermatologist so they can provide a professional skin evaluation and determine whether or not a lesion should be biopsied.

Do you use skin biopsies to confirm a skin cancer diagnosis? 

Yes, biopsies are the gold standard to confirm a skin cancer diagnosis. A special light called a dermatoscope is often used to help us determine whether a lesion should be biopsied or not.

How do you determine which skin cancer treatment to use? 

There are various skin cancer treatments, such as topical chemotherapy, cryotherapy, surgical excision, and Mohs surgery. Which skin cancer treatment we use depends on the type of skin cancer, the location, and the size.

Which is your preferred form of skin cancer treatment? 

As mentioned, the skin cancer treatment a board-certified dermatologist recommends depends on the type of skin cancer, its size, and its location.

 For instance, some superficial skin cancers may be treated with a topical chemotherapy cream, most basal and squamous cell carcinomas are successfully treated with excision or Mohs surgery, and an invasive melanoma may need to be treated with an excision. 

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your doctor will recommend the best possible treatment plan. And as we have mentioned in other skin cancer blogs, early detection is key to effective treatment. This is why we urge our patients to have regular skin cancer screenings.

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening at Brentwood Dermatology 

It’s imperative to have a skin cancer screening at least once per year or on a more frequent basis if you have several skin cancer risk factors, such as a family history or a fair appearance. 

Schedule your skin cancer screening with one of the experienced board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology today by calling (615) 377-3448 or requesting an appointment online. 

Effective Skin Cancer Solutions in Brentwood, Tennessee 

The trusted physicians at Brentwood Dermatology can assist you with all of your general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology needs. If you would like to learn more about our skin cancer screenings or skin cancer treatment in Brentwood, TN, schedule an appointment, visit our website, or give us a call at (615) 377-3448.