Skin Cancer Treatment in Charlotte, NC

Darst Dermatology offers personalized skin cancer treatment in Charlotte, Matthews, and the surrounding North Carolina communities.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a dangerous but treatable condition that affects many people. Exposure to the sun is a primary cause of skin cancer. That’s why many cancerous growths are found on your face, neck, and hands. However, skin cancer can occur on any part of your body. Skin cancer can affect people of all ages, but people with lighter skin are more susceptible. Heredity also plays a role in who will develop skin cancer, so if you’ve had a close relative with the disease, you’re at greater risk.

What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

If you have a mole that changes in appearance or begins to bleed, you should let Dr. Darst examine it. Additionally, hard bumps with a waxy or crust-like appearance can also indicate cancer is present. Firm nodules with a red center are also of concern. If you suspect a growth might be cancerous, never attempt to remove it yourself, or you risk infection and scarring.

There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least serious form of skin cancer. It is a tumor at the basal layer of the skin, and it stays localized in one area. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and doesn’t spread throughout the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is more serious since it is a more aggressive form of cancer. It looks like a red splotch with a white scale on top. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and must be treated quickly. These growths look like irregular moles that may possess border irregularity. Melanoma can be various colors, including red, white, black, blue, or multi-colored.

How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

Dr. Darst has years of experience treating the various types of skin cancer. Biopsies are done to determine if the growth is indeed cancerous. If so, the lesion is removed from your skin using cryosurgery, excision, photodynamic light therapy, or a variety of other means. If you suspect a growth on your skin is cancerous, let Dr. Darst examine it as soon as possible. And if you’re over 40, you should schedule an annual full skin exam with Dr. Darst.

Dr. Darst, a board-certified dermatologist, offers expert skin cancer treatment to residents of Charlotte, Matthews, and other Metrolina communities in North Carolina. Schedule a consultation today by calling 704-321-3376. Darst Dermatology is conveniently located at 11301 Golf Links Drive North, Charlotte, NC 28277.