At Lake Wylie Dermatology, we are dedicated to the early detection and expert treatmentof skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common formof cancer in the United States—butwhen caught early, it is highly treatable. Through thorough screenings and individualizedcare plans, our team ensures you receive the best possible outcomes.
Why Skin Cancer Screenings Matter
Routine skin cancer screenings are essential for identifying abnormal moles or lesionsbefore they become dangerous. Many skin cancers, includingmelanoma, can spreadquickly if left untreated. However, early-stage detection dramatically improves treatmentsuccess.
We recommend screenings if you:
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Have fair skin, light hair, or light eyes
- Have frequent sun exposure or a history of sunburns
- Notice any new, changing, or non-healing spots
- Have many moles or atypical moles
What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening
During your visit, a dermatology provider will perform a Total Body Skin Exam, carefullychecking your skin from head to toe using a tool called a dermatoscope for enhancedevaluation.
If any suspicious spots are found, we may perform abiopsy—a quick, in-office procedurewhere a small sample of tissue is taken for further analysis. Biopsies are crucial indiagnosing:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma
- Precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses
Skin Cancer Treatments We Offer
We provide a range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options based on the type, size,and location of the skin cancer:
✦Excision
A precise surgical removal of cancerous tissue, typically used for small basal orsquamouscell carcinomas and some early melanomas. Stitches are used to close the area andhealing is monitored closely.
✦ED&C (Electrodesiccation & Curettage)
A common method for treating superficial basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Thegrowth is scraped off and the area is cauterized with heat to destroy remaining cancercells.
✦Cryotherapy
Freezing off precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses with liquid nitrogen.
✦Topical Treatments
Prescription creams may be used in some cases to treat certain early-stage or superficialskin cancers.
For Complex Cases
When a skin cancer is large, deeply invasive, or located in a sensitive area such as theface, we refer patients to highly skilled Mohs surgeons or oncology specialists to ensurethe best care and cosmetic outcome.
