Consider Skin Cancer Treatment in San Antonio

Westover Hills Dermatology is located in the Medical Plaza I of Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The medical director, Dr. Mobolaji Opeola, is a dermatologist skilled in surgical, medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Opeola earned her medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2004. She then trained in dermatology at the University of Southern California. She has earned board certification from the American Board of Dermatology. She is also a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology. Skin cancer treatment is among the many comprehensive services provided at our practice.

What Services Does Westover Hills Dermatology Provide?

Westover Hills Dermatology offers a variety of services in surgical, cosmetic, and medical dermatology. Those services include the following:

• Earlobe Repair
• Keloid Removal
• Chemical peels
• Dermal fillers
• Psoriasis treatment
• Skin cancer treatment

Regarding Skin Cancer Treatment

Westover Hills Dermatology provides skin cancer screening and treatment. The screening is simply a thorough visual inspection of the patient’s skin. It does not involve any blood work or any other kind of lab work. Our dermatologist will examine the patient from top to toe.

It we find something suspicious, like a funny-looking mole, we will order a biopsy. Our dermatologist will take a sample of the patient’s skin and examine it under a microscope. If cancerous cells are found, a skin cancer treatment plan will be discussed with the patient.

What are Skin Cancer Stages?

Skin cancer stages are a way of describing how serious the cancer is. The stage is determined by the size of the cancer, how deep into the skin it has penetrated, and whether or not it has spread. Skin cancer stages can be 0 to IV; the higher the number, the more severe the cancer.

Skin cancer at Stage 0 is sometimes called “carcinoma in situ.” It is small and has not penetrated beyond the epidermis. Stage I skin cancer is less than 4/5 of an inch across and has not spread to any lymph nodes or organs. Stage IV is the most severe type, for it has spread to lymph nodes and possibly bones and/or other organs.

The doctor will have to determine the stage in order to decide upon a treatment. Surgically removing the cancer works well when it is small and hasn’t spread. If it has spread, the patient may need chemotherapy or radiation treatment. This is why it’s so important to address skin cancer as early as possible. This way, you will likely only need skin cancer treatment in the form of surgical excision.

How is HPV Treated?

The human papillomavirus is one of the most common viruses with about 100 different types. It causes an STD that takes the form of warts that typically form around the anus or the genitals. They can also develop on the hands and/or feet. HPV is very contagious, and some types can become cancerous, and it should therefore be treated.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure. HPV, however, can be controlled. Topical creams, for example can control the warts. They can also be removed by surgery, cryotherapy (freezing) or electro-coagulation. In the last technique, electricity is used kill the wart. There is also a vaccine to keep the patient from contracting HPV in the first place.

To receive comprehensive skin cancer screenings and treatment, visit our trusted dermatologist at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment.