The Dermatology Laser Center & Spa is the only center in San Marcos, Texas with specialists for treatment of the skin, hair, and nails, including skin cancer and mole removal. Procedures are done in the office under local anesthesia. During your initial exam, you will be offered a complete skin evaluation to check for signs of skin cancer as well as address any concerns you may have, including rashes, acne, skin growths, psoriasis, hair loss, eczema, fungal infections, etc.
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Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with more than one million Americans diagnosed each year. Types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is next in line and malignant melanoma follows. Though more rare, malignant melanoma is the most serious and results in the most deaths attributed to skin cancer. For this reason, early detection is vital in treating malignant melanoma.
Precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) are often found on sun-exposed skin of the face, scalp, and arms. Though liquid nitrogen has been effective in destroying these lesions, a new treatment is now available called photodynamic therapy. Using a topical solution (aminolevulinic acid HCI) followed by exposure to a special blue light, photodynamic therapy can treat both visible and impending actinic keratoses.
Mole Removal
Some people are born with moles. Other moles appear over time. Sun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles, whether normal or atypical (dysplastic). Heredity also plays a large role. Many families have a type of mole known as dysplastic (atypical), which can be associated with a higher frequency of melanoma or skin cancer.
If Dr. Ana Rodriguez determines that a mole is potentially cancerous, she will most likely recommend removal. Removing a mole can stop the spread of cancerous or potentially cancerous skin cells. The removal of normal moles can also lead to smoother, clearer skin and may reduce skin irritation.
Biopsies/Excisions
Depending on your examination, Dr. Rodriguez may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is when a sample of body tissue is taken, usually by being cut out or excised. Biopsies tend to be of abnormal tissue, so a section of a lump or an edge of an ulcer might be taken. The sample is sent to a laboratory where the technicians can examine it under a microscope to see exactly what it is. Through finding out what the lump is, Dr. Rodriguez can decide on the best course of treatment.
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