Skin Cancer Treatment
Protect your health with comprehensive skin cancer treatments in Edmonton. We offer advanced medical care to detect, diagnose, and treat various types of skin cancer. Our expert dermatologists provide personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for your long-term skin health.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all human cancers, but it is also highly treatable when detected early. At VIDA Dermatology, our certified dermatologists are experts in skin cancer diagnosis and management. We provide a professional environment for thorough skin assessments and specialized surgical interventions. Whether you are seeking a routine skin check or require treatment for a suspicious lesion, our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of oncological care.
Understanding Skin Cancer
While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase your risk. Fair-skinned individuals who sunburn easily are at a particularly high risk. Other contributing factors include a family history of skin cancer, occupational exposure to certain compounds, and extensive UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.
The three most common types of skin cancer include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form of skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often developing from pre-cancerous actinic keratoses, this type can sometimes spread to other parts of the body if not managed early.
- Melanoma: The most serious form of skin cancer. It often resembles a mole and has a higher potential to spread to other organs, making early detection critical for survival.
Diagnostic and Treatment Options
At VIDA, we customize our clinical approach based on the type, size, and location of the cancer. Our common medical treatments include:
- Professional Skin Biopsy: If a lesion appears suspicious, a small sample is removed under local anesthesia and sent to a laboratory for definitive diagnosis.
- Surgical Excision: The most common treatment for localized skin cancer. The dermatologist removes the cancerous growth along with a small margin of healthy surrounding skin to ensure all malignant cells are gone.
- PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT): A specialized light-activated treatment used primarily for superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions. This treatment is 100% covered by Alberta Health Care.
- Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy early-stage or superficial cancerous cells.
- Topical Immunotherapy: Prescription creams that stimulate your own immune system to recognize and attack cancerous skin cells.
Prevention and Early Detection
The best defense against skin cancer is a proactive approach to sun safety and regular monitoring. We recommend:
- Annual Skin Checks: A professional head-to-toe exam by a certified dermatologist to catch "hidden" spots.
- Sun Safety Habits: Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30, wearing protective hats, and avoiding peak sun hours.
- Self-Monitoring: Checking your skin monthly for any new or changing moles using the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).
What To Expect During Your Visit
Your health is our primary concern during every clinical assessment:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Your dermatologist will review your medical history and perform a detailed exam of any worrisome lesions.
- Biopsy and Pathology: If a spot is suspicious, we perform a quick, painless biopsy on-site to get a clear answer from the lab.
- Treatment Planning: If cancer is confirmed, we discuss all available options, including surgical and non-surgical paths, to ensure a high cure rate and the best cosmetic outcome.
- Ongoing Follow-up: We establish a long-term monitoring schedule to ensure your skin remains healthy and to catch any recurrences early.
Skin Cancer FAQs
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kurian
Dr. Anil Kurian, MD, FRCPC, FAAD
Dermatologist · VIDA Dermatology
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