Skin Cancer in Brentwood, TN
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and everyone who spends time out in the sun is at risk. Our dermatologists can perform skin cancer screenings and develop a skin cancer treatment to provide the best outcome for you.
Different Types of Skin Cancer
There are several different types of skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
You are at greater risk of developing skin cancer if you:
- Have fair skin and freckles
- Have light hair and eyes
- Sunburn easily
- Spend a lot of time out in the sun
- Have a family history of skin cancer
Skin Cancer Prevention
The easiest and most important step you can take to prevent skin cancer is to apply sunscreen every day. Your daily sunscreen should be at least SPF 15, or an SPF of at least 30 if you spend a lot of time out in the sun. In addition to applying sunscreen, you should also:
- Try to avoid being out in the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, when damaging ultraviolet rays are the highest
- Wear sun blocking clothing and accessories, including a hat and sunglasses
- Examine your skin regularly for suspicious areas
Signs of Skin Cancer and What to Look For
Signs of skin cancer can be subtle, so when you perform a self-check of your skin, you need to look for any moles that have:
- A diameter larger than 6 millimeters
- Ragged, poorly defined borders
- An asymmetrical shape
- Itching, oozing, or bleeding
Visiting Our Dermatologists
Our Brentwood, TN dermatology team will perform a comprehensive skin examination, checking for any skin abnormalities, including abnormal moles. If a suspicious area is found, they may take a tissue sample for biopsy. Early diagnosis and treatment mean a better outcome for you.
Treatments for Skin Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, our dermatologist offers several treatment options, including:
- MOHS micrographic surgery, to remove cancerous tissue layer-by-layer, examining each layer under a microscope
- Radiation therapy, uses radiation to kill cancerous cells
- Cryosurgery, using uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesion
- Curettage and desiccation, using tools to scrape the cancerous tissue and apply electric current to kill cancerous cells
- Surgical excision, to cut out the lesion completely
- Chemotherapy, which may be used in combination with surgery and radiation therapy to treat melanoma
