Each year in the United States, more adults are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other types of cancers put together. At Eagle Dermatology in Eagle, Idaho, Dr. Gabriel Guerrero is a board-certified dermatologist recognized by the American Board of Dermatology, and is experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of skin cancer so you can get back to living your life without worry. If you have concerns about skin cancer for yourself or a family member, call or schedule a consultation online to learn about available treatment options.
Many skin cancers are preventable and curable if discovered early. The most common types of skin cancer include:
Each of these types of cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth, usually as a result of ultraviolet radiation from exposure to the sun or artificial tanning beds. Genetic defects or mutations may also lead to skin cancer, but for most men and women, a lifetime of sun exposure is the cause.
Many types of skin cancer can be prevented by taking simple precautions, such as:
Self-exams play a vital role in identifying irregularities — you’d be the first one to notice if something on your skin is different or changes from its usual color, size, or form.
If you do have a type of skin cancer that requires treatment, Dr. Guerrero helps you determine the best option for your specific condition, such as:
Surgery to remove cancerous cells can prevent skin cancer from getting worse or recurring.
Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialized technique to remove layers of cancerous cells beneath the surface of your skin, has a very high success rate of removing cancer and preventing it from coming back in the same spot. Only physicians like Dr. Guerrero, who have special training in the Mohs surgical procedure, can perform this comprehensive treatment.
Typically done under a local anesthetic, Dr. Guerrero removes one layer of cancerous tissue at a time, then examines it under a microscope. Each time he discovers an abnormality, he removes another layer of tissue and examines it carefully, repeating the process until all the cancerous cells have been removed.
The entire procedure is done during a single office visit with exceptional care to leave the surrounding healthy tissue undamaged.
If you’re concerned about skin cancer, call Eagle Dermatology or book a consultation online today.
