Skin Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment And Wellness

Piedmont Oncology provides patient-centered and personalized care to every patient.

From prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment and wellness, Piedmont Oncology gives patients access to the personalized care they need.

Facts about Skin Cancer:

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types.
Melanoma accounts for 1% of skin cancers but causes most skin cancer deaths.
Melanoma rates have been rising rapidly over the past few decades.
Melanoma is more than 20 times more common in white people than in African Americans.
Melanoma is more common in men overall but more common in women before the age of 50.
Melanoma is also one of the most common cancers in young adults.

Screening

Skin cancer treatment starts with adequate and aggressive screening by a dermatologist. Prevention and early detection are key. Melanoma can spread to nearby tissues and other body parts if not diagnosed early. At Piedmont Oncology, our melanoma experts provide comprehensive care that begins with an accurate diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary team provides a personalized approach from treatment to recovery.

Warning signs of lesion:

Changing
Bleeding
Itching
Oozing/crusting
Pain and irritation

Melanoma Risk Factors:

Sunlight exposure
Having moles
Being fair-skinned
Having freckles and light hair
Family history of melanoma
Having a weakened immune system

Melanoma Prevention:

There is no sure way to prevent or screen for melanoma, but the following will help reduce your risk:

Limit your exposure to UV rays
Watch for abnormal moles
Avoid weakening your immune system

Diagnosis

If a suspicious spot is found, your doctor might perform the following procedures to determine if you have melanoma or some other skin condition:

Skin Biopsy (punch, shave or excisional) - this has typically already been done by your dermatologist but can also be done during your initial consultation
Additional tests - These are sometimes performed to identify better the stage and extent of spread of the cancer and can include imaging (CT, MRI, PET) as well as lymph node studies (Lymphatic mapping or lymphoscintigraphy)

Treatment

If melanoma or other skin cancers are found, our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and navigators will work together to provide a personalized treatment plan for each unique patient. Treatment for skin cancer could include:

Surgery - This typically involves a wide local excision of the region of skin involved with melanoma. Depending on the depth of your melanoma, you may also be counseled to undergo lymph node surgery, where a few of the lymph nodes are removed at the time of surgery.
Immunotherapy - This is often recommended when the melanoma has spread in your body to draining lymph nodes or other sites. A medical oncologist administers immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy - Occasionally, although not frequently, chemotherapy can be useful in treating melanoma.
Radiation - Occasionally, although not frequently, radiation can be useful in treating melanoma.

Expertise

Piedmont’s full range of cancer support services and programs are available to enhance your care experience, help lessen anxiety, answer questions, and empower and guide you through every step of your cancer journey. Services include clinical trials, cancer rehabilitation, patient navigation, genetics counseling, nutrition counseling, social services, and financial assistance. Cancer wellness programs include education, nutrition workshops, exercise, art therapy, support groups and more.