Skin cancer is very common. More people will be diagnosed every year with skin cancer than all other types of cancer combined. For skin cancer treatments in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, LA you can count on Dr. Trent Massrngale of  Atlas Dermatology who is accepting new patients.  The treatment options that will be offered depend on the type of skin cancer that you have.

There are three common types of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most dangerous type and the hardest to survive. All skin cancer types respond best to early treatment.

Topical skin cancer treatment

In the case of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, the cancerous cells are in the epidermis which is the top layer of the skin. Topical creams and gels can be applied directly to the cancerous areas and can be very effective in their treatment.  They are the very least invasive way to treat skin cancer and when the treatment is over there is very little danger of scarring.  Depending on the type they either activate the immune system or are topical chemotherapy. 

Surgery

When it comes to melanoma, the preferred method of treatment is surgery. All the cancerous cells must be removed and this often involves removing more than just the rumor or lesion itself. Healthy skin around the cancer is also removed. Test may be done to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. 

Chemotherapy

The dermatologist may decide to follow surgery with chemotherapy to kill any cells that may remain and also to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Chemotherapy may be injected or taken orally. 

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may also be used to kill the cancer cells when melanoma is the detected type of cancer.

Excision surgery

This type of surgery is performed with a scalpel and then the tumor is sent off to the lab to be analyzed. When the cancer has not spread this is a good option for treatment. 

These are just some of the possibilities. New treatments are being approved all the time and new and improved treatments are being tested all the time. 

Contact Dr. Massengale of Atlas Dermatology to discuss and treat skin cancer in Baton Rouge and Prairieville. LA. You can reach the office on the phone at (225) 313-4560 for the office in Baton Rouge, LA, and (844) 313-4560 for the office in Prairieville, LA.