Yes, dermatologists do treat skin cancer! In fact, they are the go-to doctors for diagnosing and treating it. Let’s talk about how they help, and we’ll keep things light and easy to understand!
What is Skin Cancer?
Before getting into how dermatologists treat skin cancer, let's first understand what it is. Skin cancer develops when skin cells multiply abnormally and out of control. It can appear anywhere on the skin but most frequently appears on areas that get plenty of sun: your face, arms, back, and neck. Skin cancer can appear in various forms, but the three primary types are:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and usually doesn't spread to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This one is a bit more aggressive than BCC but is still very treatable if caught early.
- Melanoma: This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer—begins in the cells that give your skin its color. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, so it's very important to catch it early.
Now, let's talk about how dermatologists help with skin cancer.
Dermatologists: The Skin Experts
Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in treating skin problems, including skin cancer. They know everything about skin and are trained to spot early signs of skin cancer. When you visit a dermatologist with a concern like a strange mole or skin growth, they will perform a skin exam. This means they will carefully look over your skin to check for any unusual changes.
They might take a small sample of the skin if they find something that could be skin cancer. This is called a biopsy, and it helps doctors figure out if it's cancerous or not. If it is cancer, the dermatologist will then decide how to treat it.
Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
The best way to treat skin cancer is by catching it early, and this is why regular dermatologist visits are a good idea. Dermatologists are experts at spotting signs of skin cancer, sometimes before you even notice anything yourself.
If a dermatologist suspects that a spot could be cancer, they will do a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancerous. This helps them know exactly what kind of cancer it is and how to treat it.
Treatment: How Dermatologists Help
If skin cancer is diagnosed, there is no reason to worry about it. In fact, most dermatologists can treat it; they are very good at it. Here's the way they can treat skin cancers:
Surgical Removal: It is the most common treatment that removes the affected skin tissue. The dermatologist cuts out the cancer and takes out some skin tissue around the affected area. In this process, all cancerous cells would have been taken out.
- In most cases of BCC and SCC, surgery removal is simple and effective.
- For Melanoma, the surgery is likely to be a bit more extensive to ensure complete removal of all the cancerous cells.
Mohs Surgery: Sometimes, dermatologists use a special technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. It is often used for BCC or SCC. In Mohs surgery, the doctor removes the cancer layer by layer and checks each layer under a microscope for cancer cells. This helps remove just the cancer while keeping as much healthy skin as possible.
Topical treatments: In the case of a small or early developing skin cancer, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical treatment. This refers to the application of a specific cream or ointment to the skin to destroy the cancerous cells. It's most effective when applied in early stages of BCC or SCC.
Radiation Therapy: In some cases, if the cancer is in a hard-to-reach area, the dermatologist may recommend radiation therapy. This uses powerful rays to destroy cancer cells. It’s usually not the first choice, but it can be helpful for certain types of skin cancer.
Cryotherapy: This method freezes the cancerous tissue using liquid nitrogen. It is usually performed for early stages of skin cancer or precancerous growths. The frozen tissue will eventually fall off.
Immunotherapy or Chemotherapy: For advanced stages of skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body, dermatologists may refer a patient to an oncologist—a cancer specialist. An oncologist may, therefore, recommend immunotherapy or chemotherapy since these help in fighting the cancerous cells.
Preventing Skin Cancer
Dermatologists are great at treating skin cancer, but the best way to deal with it is to avoid getting it in the first place. Dermatologists always recommend protecting your skin from the sun. This includes wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing protective clothing when outside.
Getting regular skin checks can be important, particularly if you have a family history of skin cancer or spend much time in the sun.
Conclusion
So, dermatologists do treat skin cancer and are very good at it! They can cure this through surgery, creams, or other treatments. Moreover, they are experts in preventing skin cancer; so, check-ups and sun protection should be frequent. If you notice any changes in your skin, do not hesitate to visit a dermatologist. Early detection is the best way to stay healthy and keep your skin safe. If you need a dermatologist for skin cancer, know that these doctors can give you the care and guidance you need to protect and treat your skin properly.
