Skin Cancer Symptoms And Treatment Options

Tampa Area Patients Ask About Skin Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Options
Skin cancer is diagnosed in over two million individuals every year in the United States, making it one of the most common forms of cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation website, approximately one in five individuals in the United States will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. These staggering statistics demonstrate the importance of regular skin cancer checks by a board certified dermatologist.

Dr. Aparna Ambay, of 360 Dermatology in the Tampa area, works with patients to discuss skin cancer symptoms and treatment. She understands that knowledge about the condition raises awareness and helps her patients understand the importance of having regular skin checks with their dermatologist every year.

The symptoms of skin cancer may be difficult for an untrained eye to detect. Skin cancer can manifest as an unusual mole, skin tag, or lesion on the skin’s surface. When a patient is unsure of a new skin lesion or bump, they are encouraged to visit Dr. Aparna Ambay for a skin check. If there is any suspicion of skin cancer, a sample is taken during a biopsy.

Types of skin lesions include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Patients may also experience less common types of skin cancer including Kaposi sarcoma, merkel cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma. Although rare, Dr. Aparna Ambay can make an accurate diagnosis of any of these types of cancerous skin cells.

If skin cancer is diagnosed, the dermatologist will discuss the treatment options available. In many circumstances, the cancer is removed through Mohs micrographic surgery. This can be the best way to target skin cancer cells and remove them thoroughly, resulting in a very high success rate of eliminating cancerous cells from the body. Dr. Aparna Ambay is the only Mohs surgeon in the Tampa area and is experienced in providing this surgical procedure for her patients. Many other area dermatologists refer their skin cancer patients to her practice because of her expertise in Mohs surgery.

Patients who have received a diagnosis of skin cancer need to have the cancerous cells removed through a precise procedure such as Mohs micrographic surgery for the best outcome. Call 360 Dermatology in Tampa today to schedule your initial appointment for skin cancer treatment.