What causes skin cancer?
Skin cancer can develop when an excess of cells form in an area where they are not needed. Instead of dying off, these cells can create lesions, lumps, or moles that can become cancerous.
With skin cancer, the disruption of normal cell behavior is sometimes caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or tanning beds.
Skin cancer can also develop in areas that are not exposed to the sun, however, so it’s possible it has a genetic component as well. If you have fair skin, a compromised immune system, or a tendency toward developing moles, you might be more likely to develop skin cancer.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
To diagnose skin cancer, Luis A. Viñas, MD conducts a comprehensive evaluation of your skin and any deformities or abnormalities that are present. If he sees something abnormal, he orders a biopsy for it.
If the biopsy shows that skin cancer is present, Luis A. Viñas, MD excises the area to treat the cancerous cells. If a spot or mole is pre-malignant, he can also treat it, so it doesn't become malignant.
How is skin cancer treated?
While removing the affected skin is one type of treatment for skin cancer, Luis A. Viñas, MD might recommend other methods, depending on the size, location, or nature of the lesion. Each person has a unique treatment process, and you're encouraged to be actively involved in making decisions for your health.
With an excision, Luis A. Viñas, MD will take the cancerous part of the skin and sometimes the surrounding tissue, too. If you have a tumor or lesion that is covering a large surface area, you might also need radiation therapy. With this type of treatment, there is no removal of skin, and it's relatively painless.
In other cases, chemotherapy drugs might be necessary to treat the cancer. You might use a topical cream to dissolve a tumor or cancerous lesion.
Preventive measures are critical when it comes to skin cancer, so make sure to see a dermatologist regularly or ask your physician to conduct periodic skin checks.
To make an appointment with him for a personalized skin consultation, use the simple online scheduling system.
*individual results may vary
