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Skin Cancer

At Clarkston Dermatology, we know you want a personalized experience with results, especially when facing a skin cancer diagnosis. To do that, you need a team that partners with you to safeguard your health. The problem is that you are often treated like just a number in the medical industry, which can make you feel insignificant. As patients ourselves, we know it can be hard to find a doctor who really listens. That's why we've focused on building relationships with our patients in Clarkston, Troy, and the neighboring Michigan communities for more than 14 years.

FAQs

Skin cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, often caused by overexposure to the sun. There are three main skin cancer diagnoses, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is usually found as a red, pearly bump, occasionally ulcerated, on the shoulders, head or neck. While BCC can occur elsewhere on the body, frequent exposure to sun makes these the most common. The tumor may occasionally crust or bleed, and can be mistaken for a sore that refuses to heal. While unpleasant, BCC is the most frequently occurring skin cancer, and if caught early can be completely removed, often without any scarring.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is usually expressed as a scaly, crusty, reddened patch of skin, again caused by overexposure to sun and most common on body parts that are frequently exposed. Skin may thicken, ulcerate, bleed, or develop into hard nodules. SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer, and while it can be dangerous, it is still treatable.

Malignant Melanomas are both the least common and most dangerous form of skin cancer, presenting as a black or brown asymmetrical lesion on the skin, though some aggressive melanoma can appear pink or red. Warning signs for melanoma are change in size, shape, or elevation of an existing mole; a mole larger than a pencil eraser in diameter ought to be examined.

The cost to treat skin cancer at Clarkston Dermatology depends on many factors, including your health insurance coverage, the type of skin cancer, and the location, size, and stage of the tumor. We encourage you to contact us to set up an appointment to learn more and find out your individual cost for treatment.

Skin cancer is typically detected during a full body exam or when you visit a dermatology for a skin biopsy of a suspicious spot. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 40 percent of cases of melanoma are found by patients. When a mole or spot looks potentially cancerous, your dermatologist will perform a biopsy to remove a sample of tissue which is checked under a microscope for abnormal cells that indicate the tissue is cancerous. Additional tests may be necessary to determine if the cancer has spread.

Fortunately, skin cancer has a very high cure rate when detected and treated early. Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma can be cured with removal of the cancerous growth, and many cases of melanoma can also be cured with early surgery.

The most appropriate skin cancer treatment will depend on the type of skin cancer, location, and stage. At Clarkston Dermatology, we offer state-of-the-art skin cancer treatments with proven effective results:

Mohs surgery
Considered the gold standard in treating squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, this technique preserves as much healthy skin as possible with a high cure rate.

Photodynamic therapy
This treatment uses photosensitizing drugs which activate when exposed to laser therapy to kill cancer cells.

Superficial radiotherapy
This treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is non-invasive and uses precise delivery of X-ray radiation just below the skin to destroy malignant cells.

Areas We Serve

We offer Skin Cancer treatments to residents of the following areas: Clarkston, Oxford, Oxford Township, Birmingham, Troy, and all of Oakland County, MI (Michigan). Although our offices are are located in Clarkston and Oxford, Michigan, we regularly serve patients throughout the entirety of Oakland County who need a skin doctor for medical care related to Skin Cancer.

READY TO GET STARTED?
Your path to clear, healthy, vibrant skin begins with a simple consultation. Book one today to meet with one of our medical experts to identify your path forward.
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CLARKSTON DERMATOLOGY MAIN OFFICE 5701 Bow Point Dr. Suites 215 & 217 Clarkston, MI 48346 (248) 620-3376
* Individual Results May Vary