Skin Cancer
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Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates
Otolaryngology located in Lawrence, KS & Ottawa, KS
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and numbers are rising, especially among seniors. At Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, we have treated thousands of patients for skin cancers in the head and neck area. If you have noticed a new or changing skin discoloration, and you’re near one of our locations in Lawrence and Ottawa, we invite you to call and request an appointment.
Skin Cancer Q & A
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of skin cells on your outer layer of skin. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light is often the cause.
At Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, our physicians understand what you’re going through and can expertly treat the three kinds of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type. It shows up on your skin as a raised, waxy bump that looks like a blemish, usually in places exposed to the sun.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: These most often develop on your face, ears, or hands, and appear as firm, red nodules or scaly lesions. They may itch or hurt.
- Melanoma: This is the most dangerous type. Melanoma comes from within your skin and can appear anywhere on your body as dark, discolored blotches that change shape or size.
How do you diagnose skin cancer?
Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to beating skin cancer. If you notice a new or developing lesion anywhere on your skin, call us right away so we can help.
Our physicians look for tell-tale signs of skin cancer:
- Skin sores that aren’t healing
- Growing bumps on your skin
- Moles that change shape or color
- Scaly or flaky patches
If our physicians see any of these, we’ll discuss the steps we need to take. We may also recommend a biopsy to determine the best course of action for you.
How do you treat skin cancer?
The best treatment for skin cancer is to remove it.
Often the diagnosis of skin cancer can easily be made just by looking at it. We will remove the cancer while minimizing the scar. The removed cancer is then sent for biopsy to be sure it’s all gone.
You can save thousands of dollars and multiple trips to various offices with this one-step treatment.
After a successful surgery, our physicians teach you how to take care of the incision site at home, give you tips on how to protect against UV damage in the future, and answer any questions or concerns you have. But just because the surgery is over, that doesn’t mean our job is over. We follow your healing progress and will be available for any questions that come up.
Our communities and your health are our priorities. If you’re in the Lawrence or Ottawa areas and are concerned about your skin, visit Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates as soon as possible.
