Skin Cancer Specialist
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Global Dermatology
Nickolas E. Poulos, D.O.
Dermatologist located in the NorthCare building at St. Francis Medical Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Skin cancer is a common type of cancer, and treating and controlling some forms is easy. Nickolas Poulos, DO, at Global Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers outstanding diagnostic and treatment options for skin cancer. That process begins with a one-on-one skin assessment and customized treatment as needed. Booking is as simple as a phone call or a few moments on the online scheduling page.
Skin Cancer Q & A
What is skin cancer?
Like all forms of cancer, skin cancer is characterized by abnormally rapid cell replication. There are three primary types of skin cancer.
Basal cell skin cancer
This form of skin cancer develops in the skin’s basal cells, which are responsible for creating new skin cells as old ones die. Basal cell cancer is most common in areas commonly exposed to the sun, like the head and neck.
Squamous cell skin cancer
This form of cancer develops in the skin’s squamous cells, which are in the outer and middle layers of the skin. While not usually life-threatening, squamous cell cancer can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated.
Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma, develops in the skin’s melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment that colors your skin. Early detection and treatment are critical.
A thorough skin assessment at Global Dermatology is the first step in determining which type of skin cancer is present and how to shape treatment planning.
What kinds of treatments can help with skin cancer?
Treatment efforts focus on removing as many cancerous skin cells as possible. Excision is one approach and involves using a sterile scalpel to carefully remove affected tissue as well as a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue.
Freezing or cryosurgery can remove cancerous tissue using extremely cold temperatures. Dr. Poulos applies liquid nitrogen to the skin, and then the treated skin sloughs off in the days following treatment.
Mohs surgery is an advanced procedure that treats skin cancer by carefully removing thin layers of cancerous cells. This approach can remove all traces of skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
What can I do to prevent skin cancer?
Researchers have determined that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer. Finding ways to reduce sun exposure can dramatically reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Begin by finding a high-quality sunscreen that works for your skin type. You should apply sunscreen every day, even on days that are overcast or when you don’t expect to spend significant time outdoors.
You can also protect your skin by wearing long sleeves, hats, or other protective clothing when spending time in the sun. Advancements in textile technology make it easy to find comfortable, breathable clothing designed specifically for sun protection.
Scheduling annual skin checks is also a good way to lower your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Poulos has the training and experience needed to detect cancer in the earliest possible stages, when treatments are often most effective.
If you’d like more information about skin cancer diagnosis, prevention, or treatment, call Global Dermatology to set up a visit or book using the easy online scheduling tool.