Skin Cancer Treatment in Central Massachusetts

Skin cancer is a disease that causes healthy skin cells to mutate and grow at a rapid rate. There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each one presents different symptoms, but the most common warning signs generally include abnormal pigment change, chronic redness, and persistent swelling of the skin. At Clearview Dermatology, we offer a variety of minimally invasive treatment options that can effectively remove cancerous tissue and help prevent future spreading. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed or suspect skin cancer, call our office in Leominster, Gardner, or Hudson, MA to learn about all your options.

Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type, but common signs include new growths, sores that do not heal, changes in existing moles or lesions, and unusual skin changes. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, while squamous cell carcinoma might look like a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. Melanoma, the most serious type, may manifest as a large brownish spot with darker speckles, a mole that changes in color, size, or feel, or a lesion with an irregular border and multiple colors. It's crucial to seek medical advice at Clearview Dermatology if you notice any persistent or unusual skin changes.

There are several procedures that can be used to treat skin cancer. Your therapy will depend on the type, location, and severity of your disease. The most common forms of treatment include excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, and Mohs surgery. During your initial exam, our team will discuss the benefits and risks of all your options. It's important to understand that while minimally invasive, these treatments are surgical methods that will most likely leave behind a visible scar. Our skilled team will do all we can to limit this effect and can discuss other cosmetic options that can help reduce the appearance of scarring.

The details of your healing and recovery after skin cancer treatment will depend on the type of procedure performed, where the skin cancer was located, and the nature and severity of the skin cancer that was removed. In general, patients can expect to care for their wound site - meaning to keep it clean, dry, and replace bandages or dressings - while the incision or treatment wound heals. After this, a scar will begin to form and will fade over time. This process can take up to 12-18 months. As your scar heals and fades, it is important to keep the skin moisturized and to minimize sun exposure. Our knowledgeable team will also provide scar care product recommendations to further diminish the appearance of your scar. After your skin cancer has been removed, it is critical to continue regular follow-up appointments with your dermatologist to look for signs that your skin cancer has returned or that you have developed a new lesion elsewhere.

People who are candidates for skin cancer treatments, such as excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, and Mohs surgery, typically have localized skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or in some cases, melanoma. Other factors such as the type, size, and location of the cancer as well as a patient’s overall health and medical history, also play a role in which skin cancer treatment is suitable for each patient. Skin cancer treatments are ideal for patients who:

• Have squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma-in-situ, or primary basal cell carcinoma cancer
• Have cancerous lesions
• Have cancer that has not spread, ensuring removal
• May not be able to tolerate more extensive surgery
• Want to eliminate cancer but preserve as much healthy tissue as possible

Skin cancer can be serious if untreated, so it’s important to seek help from Clearview Dermatology as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help prevent cancer from spreading and improve your chances of making a full recovery. Our team can also prevent skin cancer from coming back or developing in other areas. Patients in Hudson, MA and the surrounding areas can trust our qualified professionals to provide safe and effective treatments that get you back to living life without worry.

Is skin cancer treatment safe?
All surgical procedures come with some risk, but the techniques we use at Clearview Dermatology are considered very safe. The most common side effects include temporary redness and swelling. You may also experience some itching and/or burning at the treatment site as your skin heals. These symptoms are normal and will generally resolve within a short period.

Is skin cancer treatment effective?
Yes. Skin cancer can be removed through minimally invasive surgery in most cases. However, there is always a chance that cancer will return. This is why it is important to follow up with a professional for regular check-ups and take measures to protect your skin from further damage. We will work with you to develop a long-term plan moving forward.

How much does skin cancer treatment cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the type of procedure you undergo. Generally, insurance will cover most, if not all, of the costs associated with skin cancer surgery. We understand that this can be a difficult and confusing time, which is why our team will work with you to navigate the ins and outs of your insurance policy.

How long does skin cancer treatment take?
The duration of skin cancer treatment depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the chosen treatment modality, and individual response to treatment. Some treatments, such as surgical excision or Mohs surgery, may be completed in a single day, while others, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, may require multiple sessions over several weeks.

Will I need follow-up care after skin cancer treatment?
Yes, regular follow-up care is essential after skin cancer treatment to monitor for recurrence and assess overall health. Our team at Clearview Dermatology will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, perform physical exams, and may order imaging tests or blood work as needed.

Can skin cancer come back after treatment?
Yes, skin cancer can recur after treatment, especially if not all cancer cells were removed or if there are underlying risk factors such as sun exposure or a weakened immune system. Regular skin exams and follow-up appointments at our office in Hudson, MA are important for detecting and managing any recurrence early.

Don't let skin cancer prevent you from doing the things you love with the people you care about the most. We know that receiving a diagnosis of skin cancer can be scary, but there are many treatment options to choose from to safely address this condition. Our board-certified team is also here to guide you on your road to recovery. Reach out to one of our Central Massachusetts locations today to schedule an appointment.