One out of five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Central Oregon has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the country. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. For this reason, Derm Health providers offer a full skin exam to all patients and offer personalized preventative treatments. All Derm Health providers have advanced training and decades of experience in identifying and treating skin cancer. Regular full skin exams completed by a trained professional are the best way to ensure early detection.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common skin cancer type and are typically pink and slightly shiny or scar-like in texture.
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the next most common skin cancer and are usually pink, scaly, or crusted lesions that bleed easily. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are precursors to squamous cell carcinomas and generally develop over a long period. Early AKs can be rough or have a sandpaper texture. AKs often indicate that an individual has had sun damage that warrants regular skin exams for early detection of skin cancers.
Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC; however, it is the most responsible for skin-cancer related deaths, and early detection and treatment is imperative. Melanomas are usually brown, black, grey, or blue spots that can have an asymmetric shape, irregular border, uneven color, or large diameter. Approximately one-third of melanomas arise from pre-existing moles, making it essential to monitor moles for changes.
Find more information on skin cancer types at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable. The most significant factor of skin cancer risk is sun exposure. Sun protection, including wearing sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and daily use of sunscreen (SPF 45 or higher), have been shown to reduce risks of skin cancer significantly. Early detection is key to treatability and full recovery.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer removal options include surgical excision, electrodesiccation, and curettage (a scrape-and-burn technique), topical medications, or a specialized surgical procedure called Mohs surgery. Derm Health skin cancer specialists will recommend a treatment based on the type and location of the skin cancer, the patient’s age, the patient’s living situation and home support, comorbidities, and the symptoms or impacts of the skin cancer. While Mohs surgery and excisions are highly effective, they are not always the solution for every patient, and our team at Derm Health works with our patients to determine the best-personalized approach.
Dermatology & Mohs Surgery
Dermatology Health Specialists are focused on your skin and overall health. From routine and complex skincare to Mohs Surgery, we provide comprehensive service to both adults and children.
Dr. Oliver Wisco founded Dermatology Health Specialists to provide advanced and personalized dermatologic care in medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment and prevention, skin surgery, aesthetics, and laser treatments. Every provider that joins Derm Health is selected for their advanced knowledge, academic experience, and caring approach with patients. We are here to help you focus on prevention, life balance, and overall health in Central Oregon, with dermatology clinics in Bend, Sunriver, Redmond, and Portland.