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Skin Cancer Specialist

Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, Inc. Our Services Skin Cancer

Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, Inc.

Dermatology located in Aiea, HI & Honolulu, HI

If you’re one of the more than three million people in the United States who have skin cancer, you know the importance of having a highly experienced, knowledgeable team working to monitor your condition. At Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, Inc., with a main office in Aiea and a satellite office in Honolulu, Hawaii, William Wong Sr., MD, treats skin-related cancers -- the most common type of cancer -- with the latest technologies and treatment guidelines. If you're worried about skin cancer or require treatment for it, call or book an appointment with Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, Inc. today.

Skin Cancer Q&A

What is skin cancer?

Several types of skin cancer exist, such as:

Actinic keratoses

This condition causes precancerous skin growths that appear as dry, scaling patches of skin. Though anyone can develop actinic keratoses, it's most common in people over 40 due to years of sun exposure on the forearms, hands, neck, and head.

Without treatment, this precancerous condition can result in another type of cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer appears as a flesh-colored bump or pink patch of skin. It develops on skin frequently exposed to the sun, but can also form on the legs, abdomen, and chest.

This type of cancer is highly treatable, but if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can affect surrounding tissue and grow into your nerves and bones, causing permanent damage.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The second most common type of skin cancer appears as a red bump, a scaly patch of skin, or a sore that keeps reopening. This type of cancer develops in areas of your body that get sun exposure, including your arms, face, back, and neck.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to treating cancer and preventing it from spreading into other areas of your body.

Melanoma

Typically develops in a mole on your skin but can also show up as a new dark spot. This is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and an early diagnosis and treatment plan is necessary to protect your health.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

The team at Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, Inc. often identifies skin cancer through a physical examination. For this reason, it’s important to have routine skin exams so that your provider can detect skin cancer early.

If irregularities exist, the tean may remove a part of the affected skin for further testing to determine if it’s skin cancer and what type.

If you have concerns about an abnormal-looking mole or area of your skin, schedule an appointment with Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, Inc. as soon as possible for a prompt diagnosis.

What treatments are available for skin cancer?

The team determines what stage of cancer you have based on additional testing. They can treat superficial basal cell carcinomas by removing the cancer growth from your skin. In squamous cell carcinomas, you may undergo further testing to determine if cancer is spreading.

Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, the team can recommend treatments that include:

  • Cryosurgery 
  • Curettage and desiccation
  • Mohs micrographic surgery 
  • Prescription medicated creams 
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgical excision 

To learn more about skin cancer treatment options, schedule an appointment online or by phone.

 

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