Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and one in five people will develop the disease by the time they’re 70. While these numbers may sound scary, most cases of skin cancer are easily treatable. Some, however, are very serious, including melanoma, and warrant aggressive intervention. If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, the team at Charleston Oncology helps you figure out your best treatment options.
SKIN CANCER IS CHALLENGING. YOUR CARE SHOULDN’T BE.
At Charleston Oncology, we understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can be concerning, and you likely have many questions about what comes next. The right treatment approach depends on the type and stage of your skin cancer, but you can be confident that our oncologists and hematologists are at the forefront of the latest advances in cancer care. Through infusion therapies, radiation, immunotherapies, targeted drug therapies, and access to clinical trials, our team offers a full range of options to effectively treat and manage skin cancer.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SKIN CANCER CARE AT CHARLESTON ONCOLOGY
At Charleston Oncology, we understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can be alarming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of your treatment, starting with the compassionate care provided by our medical oncology team. With expertise, innovative treatments, and a patient-focused approach, we aim to empower you with clarity, confidence, and support throughout your cancer journey.
CONDUCTING THE ORCHESTRA
Medical oncologists are a vital part of your skin cancer care team. At Charleston Oncology, our team works with you to develop a personalized care plan, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions about your treatment. Similar to an orchestra conductor, your oncologist ensures that all the caregivers throughout your journey are in harmony with your skin cancer care plan.
Your medical oncologist serves as both a guide and an advocate, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your unique needs. They also coordinate with dermatologists, surgeons, and other specialists in our multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive care focused on your overall well-being.
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER WE TREAT:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form, usually slow-growing.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Faster-growing with higher risk of spread if untreated.
- Melanoma: Aggressive but highly treatable when detected early.
- Rare Cancers: Including Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, cutaneous lymphoma, and skin adnexal tumors.
DIAGNOSIS OF SKIN CANCER
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in effective treatment. While your primary care doctor or dermatologist may identify and remove early lesions, more aggressive or advanced cases require the expertise of Charleston Oncology. Diagnostic methods may include:
- Skin biopsy to confirm the type of cancer
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI, or PET scans) for suspected spread
- Lymph node evaluation when appropriate
These evaluations help your doctor determine the type and stage of your skin cancer so they can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
PERSONALIZED SKIN CANCER TREATMENT PLANS
Skin cancer treatment is highly personalized and depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, whether it has spread, and your overall health and preferences. Treatment options include:
Surgery: The most common and effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as many other skin cancers. Surgical removal can prevent local spread and recurrence.
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, often employed when surgery is not possible or to target areas at high risk for recurrence.
Immunotherapy: Harnesses your immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. This may be used for advanced melanoma or other aggressive skin cancers.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that attack specific molecular changes within cancer cells, particularly useful for certain melanomas or rare skin cancers.
Infusion Therapy/Chemotherapy: Used in select advanced cases or aggressive cancers to slow or stop growth.
Clinical Trials: Charleston Oncology participates in research studies exploring innovative therapies, offering access to cutting-edge treatments.
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When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt like my whole world stopped. But from the moment I walked into Charleston Oncology, I knew I was in the right hands. The doctors explained everything clearly and made me feel like I wasn’t just another patient — I was part of their family.
Sarah T – Breast Cancer Survivor
What are the different types of skin cancer?
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Cutaneous lymphoma
- Skin adnexal tumors in your hair follicles or the glands in your skin
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
More often than not, your regular doctor or dermatologist is your first line of defense when it comes to skin cancer. These doctors can remove the precancerous or cancerous lesions, freeing you from danger.
If, however, your skin cancer appears to be more aggressive, or it has spread, it’s time to see a specialist at Charleston Oncology. The team of doctors understands the characteristics of cancer and has the diagnostic tools in place to get to the bottom of your skin cancer, clearly identifying it so you can get started on a treatment protocol.
How is skin cancer treated?
The answer to this largely depends upon the type of skin cancer you have. Rest assured that the oncologists and hematologists at Charleston Oncology are involved in the latest advances in treating cancer. Through infusion therapies, radiation, immunotherapies, targeted drug therapies, and even clinical trials, they have an arsenal of tools that they can bring to bear against your skin cancer.
For more information on treating skin cancer, call Charleston Oncology to schedule a consultation.
Medical Oncology and Hematology Specialists located in Downtown Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville & Walterboro, SC.
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Voted Best In Charleston
Charleston Oncology – Best Oncology Practice
With over 100 years of combined experience, the team of hematologists and oncologists at Charleston Oncology, a department of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, is proud to be named HealthLinks Magazine’s Best Oncology Practice.
David Ellison, M.D. – Best Oncologist
Honored as Best Oncologist, Dr. David Ellison is a past recipient of the Physician Champion Award from the Roper St. Francis Foundation, founding chairman of the Lowcountry Komen for the Cure Foundation, and principal investigator for several groundbreaking cancer drug clinical trials.
