Dr. Achtman, Dr. McConnell, and their caring staff at DSA Dermatology are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal skin health. The greatest risk to that health is skin cancer, an unfortunately common, and potentially deadly, disease. It is caused by DNA damage within skin cells, which trigger mutations. The defective cells multiply rapidly, forming malignant tumors.
The good news is that cancerous lesions can be removed, and rarely recur. Although the success rate varies depending on the type and location of cancer, early detection is the key to effective treatment with minimal scarring. The even better news is that many skin cancers can be prevented with sun protection and good skin care.
Types of cancers
The three most common types of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma – Extremely common and slow growing
- Squamous cell carcinoma – Also very common, and more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma
- Malignant melanoma – The most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer
Prevention
Basking in the sunshine is something of an American pastime. However, it can be a deadly one without proper protection. UV rays, which are produced by tanning beds as well as natural sunlight, damage your skin cells. Tanned skin is sometimes incorrectly associated with a healthy appearance. In reality, the darkening of skin is a sign of sun damage, which can lead to premature aging, pigmentation problems, cancer and more.
The most important things you can do to prevent skin cancer are wear protective clothing, use broad-spectrum zinc/titanium containing sunscreen; which we have carefully chosen for our patients and is available in our office, and never use a tanning salon.
Treatment
There are several techniques for removing skin cancer, including incision, curettage and excision, or in some cases an anti-cancer cream (Aldara/Zyclara) may be used. The best choice depends on several factors, such as the type of cancer and its growth rate. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, it is important to see a skilled and knowledgeable professional for treatment. Dr. Achtman is a skin cancer expert, with extensive experience successfully treating this condition.
We understand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be. The physicians and staff members at our practice will always treat you with kindness, dignity, and respect. Our patients are more than just patients – they are friends, whom we care deeply about. You will receive support, advice, and the compassion of caring friends, along with top-quality medical treatment.
If you have concerns about skin cancer, please call our office at (972) 362-9567 and schedule a consultation.
FAQs
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a variety of cancer that begins in your skin cells. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors on your skin’s surface or deeper layers. It is often noticeable on the skin, making it easy to detect in the earliest stages for successful intervention.
How often should I see my dermatologist for a skin cancer screening and evaluation?
It is recommended to see the team at DSA Dermatology at least once a year for a skin cancer screening and evaluation. However, if you have a family history of skin cancer or have other risk factors, Drs. Daniel S. Achtman and Jordan Achtman may recommend more frequent screenings. Regularly monitor any changes you notice in your skin’s appearance and report them to your dermatological team promptly for further evaluation and a biopsy, if necessary.
Is skin cancer treatable?
Skin cancer is very treatable when it is effectively detected and diagnosed early. The most common types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, have a very high cure rate with proper and immediate treatment after diagnosis. Even the more serious form of skin cancer known as melanoma can be successfully treated if caught in the early stages. This is why our team at DSA Dermatology of Plano, Texas, strongly advises patients to undergo routine screenings and make an appointment when skin growths, moles, or wounds change in unfamiliar or unexpected ways.
What treatment options are available if I get a diagnosis of skin cancer from DSA Dermatology?
The treatment options for skin cancer vary greatly depending on the specific type and the stage the cancer has reached. The most common treatments include:
– Surgical removal
– Radiation therapy
– Chemotherapy
– Immunotherapy
– Mohs micrographic surgery
– Photodynamic therapy
Who is more at risk of developing skin cancer than others?
Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer at some point during their lives, but certain factors can increase your chances. These include excessive exposure to UV radiation from either the sun or tanning beds, a family history of skin cancer, having fair skin, having multiple moles or unusual-looking moles, and a weakened immune system.
How do I know if I have skin cancer?
If you notice any new changes in the appearance of your skin, such as new or changing moles, sores that won’t heal, or unusual growths, you must visit the dermatologists at DSA Dermatology to get them checked and evaluated further. These could be signs of skin cancer, and early detection is vital to successful treatment. If you are at risk of skin cancer due to certain factors, you may need to see our dermatological team more often for evaluations.
What can I expect during my upcoming skin cancer screening at DSA Dermatology?
If you live in the Plano, Texas, area and schedule an appointment with our dermatologists for a skin cancer screening, you may have questions about what to expect. Our team will thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe, looking for any irregularities or changes that could indicate skin cancer. We may also ask about your family history and sun exposure habits. If we find any areas of concern, we may recommend a biopsy to further evaluate the cells in question.
Why Choose DSA Dermatology?
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX,
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX, Dr. Daniel S. Achtman, Dr. Carmine G. McConnell and Dr. Jordan. Achtman.
Dr. Achtman is a board-certified Dermatologist with over three decades of experience. Having graduated from the medical school of McMaster University, he also studied at the UTSW Medical Center in Dallas, TX where he also served as Chief Resident in the Department of Dermatology. In addition to possessing extensive training and experience in cosmetic enhancement techniques, Dr. Achtman is widely known as a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers. He is an active member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Achtman goes the extra mile to understand your medical concerns and to ensure that he helps you meet your unique aesthetic goals.
Dr. Carmine G. McConnell is a board-certified physician in Plano TX. Having been trained at McMaster University, Canada, she went on to earn her board certification in Texas. Having served as Chief of Staff of her department at Plano Medical Center, she has over two decades of experience in practicing medicine in her practice and while assisting Dr. Achtman in the practice of dermatology. In addition to her extensive postgraduate training in laser therapy and aesthetic surgery, among other procedures, she possesses vast experience in both cosmetic dermatological techniques and family medicine. As a conscientious and caring physician, Dr. McConnell provides her patients with customized non-surgical treatments to help address health and aesthetic concerns related to the skin. She is also keen on helping patients understand their skin and how it can be cared for and protected.
Dr. Jordan Achtman is a board-certified dermatologist in DSA Dermatology at Plano, TX. Dr. J. Achtman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed his residency in dermatology at UT Southwestern. His expertise spans general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. J. Achtman also has various special interests including chronic itch, infectious diseases of the skin, and the relationship between mental health and skin health. He is also very keen on helping patients form healthy skincare regimens and habits. In the hands of Dr. J. Achtman, you can be assured of innovative and cutting edge solutions for all your skin concerns.
