Skin Cancer

Over five million new cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed every year, but the good news is that early detection and high-quality care can lead to better outcomes. At Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center in Lakewood, New Jersey, experienced oncologists Michael Marchese, MD, FACRO,  Hemangini Shah, DO, FACRO, and their team treat skin cancer with leading-edge technology and personalized patient care. To learn more about the available treatments for skin cancer and schedule your consultation, call the office today or book your appointment online.

What causes skin cancer?

If you are repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it can damage the skin over time. This can lead to skin cancer, which may account for why it’s a leading cancer diagnosis in the United States.

Ultraviolet light damage to cells results in abnormal and uncontrolled growth, which can take the form of dangerous skin lesions that can spread to other parts of the body.

What are the types of skin cancer?

There are multiple types of skin cancers. The most common are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. These usually occur in sun exposed areas and do not spread unless advanced. Merkel cell carcinomas are rare, but more aggressive cancers that can grow fast and spread to other areas. They can develop almost anywhere on the body. Melanomas are less common than squamous or basal cell carcinomas, but also have the propensity to spread.

What treatments are available for skin cancer?

Many treatments are available for skin cancers. The two most widely used are surgery, often with the Mohs technique, and radiation therapy for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Radiation therapy is delivered with an electron beam that does not penetrate deep into the tissues so that it only affects the skin in the treatment site. Radiation therapy is often a preferable alternative to surgery in areas where surgery carries a risk of deformity or can leave poor cosmetic outcome, such as on the nose, ear or lips or where surgery is more difficult such as the eyelids. Radiation is often used for larger cancers where surgery would require a skin graft after excision or when cancers have come back after surgery. Radiation is also often recommended in areas where patients may have poor circulation, such as in the legs of diabetic patients or where the skin is thin, such as on the skull or shin bone where the surgeon cannot get
good deep margins. It is sometimes given after surgery for larger more aggressive cancers when the margins are close. Topical treatments, such as cryosurgery can often be used for very small skin cancers that are not invasive.

Merkel cell carcinomas are treated more aggressively with radiation that often includes the nearby lymph node areas where cancers can spread. Treatments are often used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. Melanomas are usually treated with a wide surgical excision initially. Radiation is often used after surgery to prevent recurrence or to treat areas of spread. Immunotherapy or chemotherapy are usually used for melanomas that have spread. The team at Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center has treated many skin cancers with outstanding results. Less than 1% ofthe basal and squamous cancers have recurred. 

Getting prompt care greatly improves your potential outcomes. Rely on the Shore Point Radiation Oncology Center team for compassionate and experienced care by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.