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Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is by far the most prevalent form of cancer, but it’s highly treatable when caught early. At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology in Beverly Hills, California, Rosalyn Morrell, MD, treats all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. She uses superficial electron beam radiotherapy to kill cancer cells in the skin’s surface without leaving a scar. To find out if radiation therapy for skin cancer is right for you, please call the office or book an appointment online today.

Cancers We Treat by CenterPoint's Story
LEADING MEDICINE

Precision Treatment

To develop the most effective treatment plan, Dr. Morrell consults with other experts on the care team, and then carefully considers a variety of factors, including how fast the cancer is growing, whether it has spread, and the patient’s overall health. Radiation may be used alone, or in conjunction with other therapies:

  • Depending on the size, type, depth, and location of the skin cancer, treatment may include
  • Excisional surgery
  • Cryosurgery
  • Mohs surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the result of abnormal skin cells that multiply uncontrollably. Skin cancer can develop on any part of your skin, but most often occurs in places that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, neck, arms, and ears.

The three main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC is the most common type of skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on the type:

Basal cell carcinoma
BCC usually appears as a round, flesh-colored growth, a pinkish patch of skin, or a pearl-like bump.

Squamous cell carcinoma
The second-most common type of skin cancer, SCC can look like a firm red bump, a scaly patch of skin, or a sore that re-opens after healing. SCC may develop from an actinic keratosis, which is a precancerous growth that looks like a dry, scaly spot on your skin.

Melanoma
Melanoma is known as the most deadly form of skin cancer because it’s more likely to spread. Melanoma often develops in an existing mole, but it can appear suddenly as a new dark spot on your skin.

What breast cancer treatments are available?

At CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, Dr. Morrell works closely with dermatologists to determine the best approach to skin cancer treatment.

Depending on the size, type, depth, and location of the skin cancer, treatment may include:

  • Excisional surgery
  • Cryosurgery
  • Mohs surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Biological therapy

Dr. Morrell uses superficial radiation therapy to kill cancer cells on the surface of your skin, which avoids deep tissue damage and minimizes scarring. In some cases, radiation therapy may be a less-invasive alternative to surgery. Other times, Dr. Morrell may use radiation therapy to target an area where cancer cells remain after surgical treatment.

How does radiation therapy treat breast cancer?

Radiation therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-energy beams like X-rays to destroy cancer cells. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table or sit in a chair while a machine sends radiation beams to specific points on your body. You may receive multiple radiation therapy treatments.

For advanced care of skin cancer, call CenterPoint Radiation Oncology, or book an appointment online today.

TRUE BEAM™ RADIATION THERAPY

Appointment radiation therapy by centerpoint CT Scan

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

intensity modulated radiation equipment by centerpoint

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

stereotactic radiosurgery by CenterPoint

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

LEADING MEDICINE

An Introductory Appointment and Answers Within 48 Hours

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Get the answers you need immediately so you can make decisions about your treatment and begin your journey back to health. We offer initial consultations and second-opinion appointments within 48 hours. Visit us virtually from the comfort of your home or in-person in our Beverly Hills office.

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