Contact our doctors to discuss the skin cancer treatment options offered at our Phoenixville practice near Roxborough and King of Prussia.
826 Main Street
Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Tel: 610-415-1100
Fax: 610-415-1101
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1201 County Line Road
Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Tel: 610-520-0900
Fax: 610-520-0920
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
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5 South Sunnybrook Road
Suite 300
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
Tel: 610-326-3600
Fax: 610-326-4466
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255 Gordon Drive
Suite 101
Lionville, PA 19341
Tel: 610-524-5300
Fax: 610-524-0100
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Skin Cancer Treatment Information — Phoenixville, Roxborough, King of Prussia
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime and more than 20 people die every day from this highly preventable disease, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The most common form of cancer in America, skin cancer is diagnosed in more than one million cases annually. At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, our doctors provide important information about skin cancer and how to prevent it. Phoenixville, King of Prussia, and Roxborough area residents can be treated for a wide range of conditions at our practice, including skin cancer, allergies, sinus conditions, and other head and neck problems.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three types of skin cancer, each of which has its own characteristics and symptoms. When in doubt as to whether or not a suspicious-looking patch of skin may be skin cancer, it is best to see a doctor experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The exceptional otolaryngologists at Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat provide skin cancer diagnosis and treatment to Roxborough, Phoenixville and King of Prussia area residents.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma affects the cells of the deepest layer of the epidermis. When detected early, basal cell carcinoma is relatively easy to treat and is usually not life-threatening. Sometimes mistaken for psoriasis or eczema, basal cell carcinoma can be characterized by an open sore that will not heal, a reddish patch of skin, a shiny bump (pink, red, white, tan, black, or brown), a pinkish growth, or an area of skin similar to a scar.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma arises in the upper layers of the epidermis. If left untreated, this type of skin cancer can cause disfigurement. While most cases are caused by excessive sun exposure, trauma to the skin (including scars, burns, or sores), x-rays, and medical conditions that involve suppression of the immune system can be risk factors.
Melanoma
The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye color. A weakened immune system, a family history of melanoma, fair skin, sun exposure, and the presence of moles are risk factors for this type of skin cancer. Changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles may indicate melanoma and warrant a visit to the doctor.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Individuals with any of the following symptoms should be examined by a physician right away:
- Open sores that will not heal
- Reddish patches of skin
- Shiny bumps (pink, red, white, tan, black, or brown)
- Pinkish growths
- Areas of skin resembling scar tissue
- Changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles
During the examination, the doctor will inspect the area in question and may perform a biopsy. An in-office procedure, a biopsy is performed under local anesthetic. During a biopsy, the doctor removes some tissue from the area and examines it under a microscope. The doctors at Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat perform skin cancer examinations for King of Prussia and Roxborough patients at their Phoenixville practice.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Depending on the type of skin cancer and its stage of advancement, as well as the patient's age and overall health, a doctor will choose from a range of skin cancer treatments. The most common treatment is surgery, which can remove the cancer. With larger skin cancers, a skin graft may be performed. This involves transferring a patch of skin from somewhere on the body to the place from which the skin cancer was removed. For more advanced cases of skin cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended.
Lowering Your Risk of Skin Cancer
Since exposure to the sun is a key factor in the development of skin cancer, our doctors recommend that their patients observe the following guidelines:
- Avoid tanning
- Cover up (wear protective clothing, including broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses)
- Wear sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 15)
- Perform a self-exam at least once a month
- See your doctor for regular skin exams
We Provide High-Quality Skin Cancer Treatments
For expert diagnosis and skin cancer treatments in the Roxborough, Phoenixville, and King of Prussia areas, contact our ear, nose, and throat surgeons today.