Are you concerned about the health of your skin? Do you notice signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Do you have a high risk of skin cancer? At Gavino Dermatology, we offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings with a biopsy in Leander to detect potential issues promptly. Schedule your appointment today and take a proactive step in protecting your skin.
Early Detection & Treatment Are Crucial
At Gavino Dermatology, we understand the importance of early detection and treatment for skin cancer. The earlier a potential issue is identified, the greater the chances are for successful treatment. By scheduling regular skin cancer screenings, you can increase your chances of successful treatment. We offer comprehensive excision biopsies to diagnose various types of skin cancer, arming you with the information to protect yourself.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells, usually because of damage to the skin cells because of excessive exposure to UV rays from sunlight. The three most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancer must be detected and treated at the earliest stage possible. If left untreated, skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. To learn more about your options to protect your skin with a skin cancer screening with a biopsy in Leander, please call us for an appointment today.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer:
- Fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes
- History of sun exposure and sunburns
- History of indoor tanning
- Family history of skin cancer
- History of certain skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis
- History of radiation therapy
- History of certain types of chemical exposure
- Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, HIV or AIDS, or certain medications
- History of pre-existing moles or spots on the skin
Having multiple risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll surely develop skin cancer. Conversely, not identifying with any of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’re immune to skin cancer. However, if you have a high risk of skin cancer, you should undergo skin cancer screenings more frequently — approximately every 3 to 12 months, depending on your risk. If you don’t have a high risk, you can undergo screenings every 1 to 2 years.
Skin Cancer Screening: Biopsy Excision
At Gavino Dermatology, we offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings with biopsy in Leander, to detect potential problems at the earliest stage possible. During the screening, the dermatologist will carefully examine your skin for signs of cancer, such as moles or unusual spots. If he detects a suspicious area, he will take a biopsy of the tissue to examine it under a microscope. He administers local anesthesia to numb the area and uses a scalpel to remove a small piece of the suspicious skin for evaluation.
The biopsy sample is sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope to identify cancer cells. The results of the biopsy will be available within a week. Your dermatologist will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and recommend the best treatment options. If the biopsy comes back positive for cancer, the dermatologist will discuss the options available, such as surgical excision and radiation therapy.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, that can be diagnosed with a biopsy in Leander. It typically appears as a small, flesh-colored, or pink bump on the skin, often on the head, neck, or arms. These tumors are slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body, but they can cause damage to the surrounding tissue if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It typically appears as a scaly, red patch or bump on the skin, often on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, and hands. These tumors can grow larger and invade surrounding tissue if not treated, but they are not as likely to spread to other parts of the body as melanoma.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It typically appears as an asymmetric mole or spot on the skin with uneven borders, more than one color, or larger than a pencil eraser (6mm). Melanomas can spread to other parts of the body if not treated, making early detection and treatment crucial.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma is a rare type of skin cancer associated with AIDS, and can be diagnosed with a biopsy in Leander. It typically appears as purple or red patches on the skin, often on the legs, because of cancerous growths on the skin’s blood vessels and mucous membranes. These tumors are caused by a virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer. It typically appears as a small, painless, firm, and shiny bump on the skin, often on the face, head, or neck. These tumors are caused by a virus called Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that typically affects the eyelids but can also occur in other parts of the body. It typically appears as a small, firm, yellow bump on the skin. These tumors can grow larger and invade surrounding tissue if not treated, but they are not as likely to spread to other parts of the body. Learn more about sebaceous gland carcinoma and how it can be diagnosed with a biopsy in Leander by contacting our office today.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer:
- A change in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole or other spot on the skin
- A new growth or sore on the skin that does not heal
- A sore that bleeds or itches
- A spot or sore that becomes painful or tender
- A rash or discoloration on the skin that does not go away
- A change in the way an area of the skin feels, such as becoming hard or lumpy
- A change in the way an area of the skin looks, such as becoming scaly, crusty, or swollen
- A change in the way an area of the skin smells, such as becoming foul smelling
- A change in the way an area of the skin functions, such as loss of hair or change in pigmentation
Causes of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is caused by damage to the DNA of skin cells, which can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV radiation damages the genetic material in skin cells, causing mutations that can lead to the development of skin cancer. Fair-skinned individuals, those with a history of sun exposure and sunburns, or those with a history of indoor tanning are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. If you notice a mole or new spot on your skin, you may want to consider getting a biopsy in Leander.
Skin Cancer Treatment: Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is a common treatment for skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous cells and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all the cancerous cells have been removed. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia. Depending on the size and location of cancer, the surgical wound may be closed with sutures or left open to heal. The recovery time depends on the size and location of the excision.
Schedule an Appointment
Gavino Dermatology is the first and only comprehensive dermatology practice in Liberty Hill, specializing in cosmetic, general, and surgical dermatology. Dr. Carlo Gavino is an exceptional dermatologist and dermatopathologist specializing in biopsies and excisions for skin cancer. He offers thorough screenings to help you identify skin cancer at the earliest stage possible. Please schedule an appointment if you have a high risk of skin cancer or if you’ve noticed suspicious changes in your skin and want to explore our options for a biopsy in Leander.
