Skin Cancer

The skin, our body's most expansive organ, is multi-layered. Skin cancer originates in the epidermis, composed of squamous cells (top layer), then can infiltrate the basal cells (beneath squamous cells) and melanocytes (color cells).

Skin cancer can affect anyone and can appear anywhere on the body, predominantly on skin areas that have been excessively exposed to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight, tanning booths and sunlamps. The professionals at our dermatology clinic are skilled in treating skin cancer across all skin tones and varieties.

It's crucial to monitor any emerging or new patches or lumps on your skin that differ in shape, hue, size, or texture. If you have any patches or lumps on your skin that itch, bleed, crust or ooze, or if you observe any unusual or suspicious marks on your skin, please contact us and schedule an appointment for further examination. Ultimately, it's your skin, and its protection is paramount.

Alongside your annual skin assessment with a board-certified practitioner at our medical practice, you can conduct regular self-inspections using the ABCDE approach. Consult a dermatologist immediately if a patch or mole exhibits:

A - Asymmetry

B - Borders that are uneven

C - Colors that differ from one region to another

D - Diameter larger than a pencil eraser

E - Evolution in its size, form, or hue from a prior check

You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting your exposure to the sun and safeguarding your skin from UV radiation. While we understand that the sun can be enjoyable, it can also be detrimental. Sun damage can accumulate year-round in Wooster, Ohio - even during the winter chill. Be sure to apply SPF 30+ sunscreen and restrict your time under those harmful rays.

To establish if you are dealing with skin cancer, our dermatologists will conduct a thorough examination of the concerned area. If it presents signs of potential malignancy, we will proceed with extracting a specimen for additional analysis. This technique, referred to as a skin biopsy, enables us to forward your tissue to our on-site dermatology clinic's laboratory. Our lab holds full accreditation from the College of American Pathologists, signifying that it upholds the utmost standards of excellence and precision.

A detailed microscopic evaluation in our lab will conclude whether your tissue is benign (normal, non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If it is cancerous, our proficient skin cancer specialists in Wooster, Ohio, will identify the specific type of cancer and formulate a personalized treatment plan. Our medical practice is proficient in diagnosing and treating an extensive array of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and sebaceous cell carcinoma.

Our cancer crew, operating in Wooster, Ohio, boasts specialized training and certification in a broad spectrum of skin cancer treatments such as surgical excision, Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As a part of DOCS Dermatology Group, our dermatology clinic's providers also have the privilege of access to pioneering clinical trials for cancers that are less responsive to conventional treatments.

Don't forget: Early detection is a crucial factor to a successful treatment plan.