Los Angeles skin cancer patients are advised to seek early treatment
The most common type of cancer in the United States is skin cancer.
Years of sun exposure can change DNA of your skin resulting in mutated cells that will divide and multiply.
Types of Skin Cancer Lesions
There are three common types of skin cancer lesions
1) Basal cell carcinomas look like small red, round bumps which bleed on occasion. These cells will remain localized to one area. This form of skin cancer is the most common
2) Squamous cell carcinomas are less common. These lesions look like raised thick raised patches. They may bleed or develop into ulcers. It is not common for these cells to spread to other areas. Instead they can continue to grow in the same spot.
3) Melanomas are also not very common. They form from melanocytes which are specialized cells in the skin that create the pigment known as melanin. Initially they look like common moles, but change in their appearance.
Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer
Actinic Keratosis is a precancerous skin condition. These lesions develop from keratinocytes which comprise nearly 90% of the outermost skin layer. They often look like rough scaly patches. They may be skin toned or reddish brown. Sometimes these growths are very small, the size of a pinhead. Others can be bigger than a quarter.
Often several actinic keratosis lesions will manifest. They can develop on different areas such as the face, neck, lips, ears and arms.
Skin Cancer Treatment At Fine Touch Dermatology
Los Angeles patients who want to remove skin cancer lesions will need to come in for a consultation. We will perform thorough evaluations to determine the most effective way to get rid of malignant tissue and prevent its return. Treatment options may include:
1) Surgical excision to remove the lesion(s)
2) Lasers can also be used with great precision to destroy pre-cancer lesions such as actinic keratosis.
3) Cryotherapy which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy unwanted tissue
4) Curretage and Electrodessication which requires the use of a currette to cut and remove the tumor. An electric current is applied to the remaining tissue to stop any bleeding and to kill any cancer cells that were not removed by the surgical tool
5) 5-FU (also known as Fluorouracil) is a topical drug that can be used to treat non-melanoma forms of skin cancer on the surface layer. It will work to slow or halt the growth of malignant cells.
6) Aldara is also a topical drug that can be used for actinic keratosis or basal cell melanomas. It enhances the immune system response to fight the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
Dr. Umar can also treat actinic keratosis and eliminate other forms of precancerous growths using photodynamic therapy with Clear Light-100.
Los Angeles Skin Cancer Consultations
Fine Touch Dermatology offers board certified dermatologic expertise to skin cancer patients. Individuals are invited to schedule a free consultation to learn more about their condition and the best treatment options for their particular case.
Fill out our online consultation form at the top of the page. Or give us a call at 877-337-6424 to schedule an appointment.