Skin Cancer

About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It can appear in many ways, making it easy to overlook. The team at Thomas Dermatology, with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, as well as offices in Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu City, Arizona, specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of skin cancer. They recommend you come in for a skin examination at least once a year and whenever you have a new or odd-looking skin growth. Schedule a consultation by calling the nearest office or booking an appointment online today.

This was my first visit at Thomas Dermatology and I’m so grateful with the genuine kindness by the staff! I was quite nervous for my appointment but was given some words of encouragement and calmed down quickly! I’m so grateful for them!

Kathryn D.

Dr. Hand was kind, compassionate and honest. I am thrilled and grateful that after one month of having the procedure the deep incision on my cheek is healing beyond my expectations.

Dawn W.

Vanessa Benes is the best! Caring, listens, down to earth, just all around great person & PA. I’m usually in and out within 30 minutes yet never feel rushed. Office is very organized and timely. I see Vanessa and so do my kids absolutely recommend.

Leray A.

Susie Smith has treated me for 10 years. I cannot express enough what excellent care she gives. Very thorough yearly skin checks. She has put my eczema in remission. Cleared up my acne and keeps my face and skin beautiful.

Annie T.

I always have great results with Christine Crovetti. Christine is a perfectionist. She takes her time and is very informative to what you request. I highly recommend her services.

Lorry M.

I got there right on time for my appointment and was called back immediately. Everyone from the nurse to the doctor was exceptional! Very patient, informative, and friendly!

Danny S.

Dr. Lieberman is personable, caring and very thorough. He’s been my dermatologist for over 10 years and he always takes time to discuss issues with me and answer any questions I might have. I never feel rushed and always believe I get the best medical care from him.

Patricia C.

Jordan Spoon was very professional and related really well to my 11 year old who was very nervous to be there. I would highly recommend her.

Marv H.

This is the third dermatology practice I have visited and the first one that treated me with professionalism and skill. I would definitely recommend this practice.

Joanne B.

Reylina was warm yet knowledgeable and professional, and delightful to visit with during my facial. I didn’t feel like she was trying to sell me on any products or services that wouldn’t benefit me and my specific skin type. Would 100% recommend!

Jennie T.

We love Dr. Michaels and Thomas Dermatology. They have been taking care of us for over 25 years, they have helped our whole family.

Annie B.

I took my 7 year old granddaughter to Thomas Dermatology and everyone there was very helpful, professional. Kylee was very patient with my granddaughter. Highly recommend!

Jeanette M.

Great experience as a first time patient. The check in was easy and the receptionist was very professional and friendly. Dr. Corbett was very friendly and easy to talk to about my concerns. She has a great disposition and is a good listener.

Andrew H.

I have been going to Thomas Dermatology for many years, starting at Post Road and now at the Centennial office. I have always been treated with kindness and with utmost professionalism.

Linda O.

It was amazing experience. The staff at the front desk were very friendly. I was taking back on time with no extra wait time. Terry Davis is amazing and very good at what he does. I was in out from the moment I walked in to back in car within 30 minutes.

Dan K.

Skin Cancer Q & A

What are the types of skin cancer?

There are many types of skin cancer. The most common types of skin cancer include:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. BCC lesions may appear as skin-colored growths or a pearly bump. They most often appear on the head, neck, and arms.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. SCC may appear as red bumps, scaly patches of skin, or an open sore.

This type of cancer may occur on the ears, face, neck, arms, chest, or back.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than BCC or SCC but is the most serious type of skin cancer. This type of skin cancer develops from the pigment-producing cells in your skin — melanocytes.

Melanoma may change the appearance of an old mole or appear as a new mole. If you have any moles of concern, schedule an appointment with the skin cancer experts at Thomas Dermatology right away.

Melanoma grows quickly and may spread to other organs. Early diagnosis and treatment increase your chances of a full recovery.

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a dry, rough, scaly skin growth. In a small percentage of people, actinic keratosis turns into skin cancer. These skin growths may go away on their own.

The team at Thomas Dermatology evaluates, diagnoses, and treats actinic keratosis to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

When you visit Thomas Dermatology with concerns about a skin growth or mole, the team conducts a comprehensive skin exam.

If they have any concerns about a specific skin growth, they take a biopsy. Thomas Dermatology has an on-site pathology lab where they evaluate the skin biopsy to determine the right diagnosis.

How is skin cancer treated?

The specialists at Thomas Dermatology use many techniques to treat skin cancer. Treatment for your skin cancer may include:

Excision of lesion:

Excision is the most common treatment for skin cancer. During this procedure, your provider removes the cancerous lesion and some of the surrounding healthy skin.

It is an in-office procedure the team performs using local anesthesia.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery:

For skin lesions that are large, poorly defined, or located in a cosmetically sensitive area (face), the team may recommend Mohs surgery.

During this procedure, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon removes your lesion one layer at a time, evaluating each layer under a microscope. They continue this process until they reach cancer-free tissue.

Radiation Oncology:

Thomas Dermatology offers patients radiation therapy, a painless non surgical option for the treatment of non-melanomatous skin cancers. Radiation is often considered when surgical resection is not feasible or desired by the patient. Radiation for skin cancer aims to destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth and division. The specific type and duration of radiation treatment depend on various factors, including the type of skin cancer, its stage, location, size, and the patient's overall health.

Superficial radiation therapy and electronic brachytherapy are types of radiation that use lower energy x-rays to treat lesions that are shallow and provide excellent clinical results for non-melanoma skin cancers. Treatments are delivered over several weeks, depending on the condition. Before starting radiation therapy, patients undergo a thorough evaluation by a Radiation Oncologist who develops a personalized treatment plan based on the individual's condition. The treatment plan aims to maximize the effectiveness of radiation while minimizing potential side effects. Once a plan has been developed, treatments will commence within a short time frame. Typically, treatment will involve patients sitting or lying in a comfortable position. A small device is placed over the treatment area and turned on. Each treatment lasts a few minutes. Treatments are painless but patients may experience skin changes within the treatment area as treatments progress. Side effects from skin radiation therapy are limited to the area receiving treatment. These can include things such as skin irritation, ranging from redness to peeling and scabbing, changes in skin color, and hair loss within the area being treated.

Overall, radiation oncology plays a significant role in the comprehensive management of skin cancer and can be an effective treatment modality, either as a stand-alone therapy or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy when necessary.

Skin Cancer

About Skin Cancer