One of Knott Street Dermatology team’s passions is skin cancer treatment. At our Portland, Oregon clinic we leverage cutting edge technology and techniques to treat the primary forms of skin cancers. Here we will outline the basics of melanoma and basal skin carcinoma to raise awareness and understanding of the conditions and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Melanoma Detection and Treatment
According to the CDC, more than 77,000 new cases of melanoma occur in the United States per year. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
So if you suspect you might have melanoma, it’s best to have it checked right away. Knott Street Dermatology provides melanoma examination and treatment in the Portland, Oregon area.
Melanomas are cancerous growths that develop when damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from exposure to the sun or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Melanomas often resemble moles, and some can develop from atypical moles.
Most melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue, or even white. People with fair skin and light eyes are genetically predisposed to the disease. If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is usually curable. However, if left untreated, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. Regular self-examination and medical full skin exams are highly recommended for surveillance and early detection.
Basal Skin Carcinoma Treatment in Portland, Oregon
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting 5 million individuals per year. Among them, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type.
Knott Street Dermatology provides skin cancer detection and treatment services in the Portland, Oregon area. Suspect you might have skin cancer? It is imperative to have it checked as early detection and early treatment will have higher rates of success.
Basal cell carcinoma is caused by abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that arise in the basal cells, which line the base of the outer layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinomas often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars and are usually caused by a combination of cumulative and intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. These lesions never fully heal and often recur in cycles, because the damaged cells cannot repair themselves.
For basal cell carcinoma on the face and some parts of the arms and legs, the most effective treatment is Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is accepted as the single most effective technique for removing basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinomas that occur on certain parts of the body can also be removed with excisional surgery.
To schedule a consultation for skin cancer screening and possible treatment, feel free to reach out to us. Knott Street Dermatology in Portland, Oregon also meets the needs of patients from nearby Lake Oswego, West Linn, Beaverton and Clackamas.
