Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment in Live Oak, TX
Early detection is the single most important factor in successfully treating skin cancer. At Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in Live Oak, TX, Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher provides comprehensive skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and advanced treatments — including superficial radiation therapy (SRT), Mohs surgery, and surgical excision. If you have a suspicious mole, lesion, or skin irregularity, do not wait. Call (210) 651-3233 or book an appointment online at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic today.
Understanding Skin Cancer — The Most Common Cancer in the U.S.
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow and divide uncontrollably, most often as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. However, genetics and other factors can also increase your risk. Annual skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist are one of the most effective tools for catching skin cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
The three most common types of skin cancer diagnosed and treated at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring form of skin cancer in the United States. It typically develops in areas with high sun exposure — such as the face, neck, and hands — and often appears as a flesh-colored or pearly bump, a pinkish patch of skin, or a sore that heals and returns. While BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated. The good news: when caught early, it has a very high cure rate.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common type, squamous cell carcinoma often presents as a firm red bump, a rough or scaly patch, a wart-like growth, or an open sore. SCC is more likely than BCC to spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes if not treated promptly, making regular skin exams critically important for early detection and intervention.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can spread rapidly to other organs if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. It originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, and most commonly appears as a new or changing mole. The ABCDE guide — Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving — is a useful tool for recognizing suspicious moles that warrant professional evaluation.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic
When skin cancer is identified, the team at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic develops a personalized treatment plan based on the cancer type, stage, location, and size. Treatment options include:
Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT)
Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic is proud to be among the first practices in the San Antonio region to offer superficial radiation therapy — a non-surgical treatment that uses targeted radiation beams to destroy basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma cells without incisions, anesthesia, or surgical recovery. SRT is an excellent option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer to avoid it.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for treating skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas — such as the face, ears, nose, and hands. The procedure involves removing and immediately examining thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time until clear margins are achieved, preserving as much healthy skin as possible and achieving the highest cure rates of any skin cancer treatment.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision involves precisely cutting out the cancerous lesion along with a small border of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. This is a widely used, highly effective method for treating many forms of skin cancer.
Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C)
This technique involves scraping away the cancerous tissue with a curette and then applying heat to cauterize the wound, destroying any remaining cancer cells. It is most commonly used for superficial basal and squamous cell carcinomas in low-risk locations.
The Importance of Regular Skin Exams
Annual full-body skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist are your best defense against skin cancer. Our team at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic is trained to identify subtle early warning signs that may be easy to overlook on your own. In addition to skin cancer screenings, we recommend that patients in Live Oak, TX perform regular self-examinations at home and promptly report any new or changing moles, lesions, or spots to our office. Call (210) 651-3233 to schedule your annual skin cancer screening at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment in Live Oak, TX
How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that most adults have a full-body skin exam with a dermatologist at least once a year. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, a history of frequent sun exposure or tanning bed use, or a large number of moles, more frequent screenings may be recommended. Call (210) 651-3233 to schedule your screening at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in Live Oak, TX.
What is superficial radiation therapy (SRT) and how does it work?
Superficial radiation therapy uses low-energy X-ray beams targeted precisely at skin cancer cells to destroy them without requiring surgery. It is a highly effective, non-invasive alternative for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, with high cure rates comparable to surgical options. Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic is among the first dermatology practices in the San Antonio region to offer SRT.
What is Mohs surgery and when is it recommended?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized, tissue-sparing procedure in which thin layers of skin are removed and immediately examined under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. It offers the highest cure rates for skin cancer and is particularly recommended for cancers on the face, ears, nose, scalp, hands, and feet, or for recurrent skin cancers.
What are the warning signs of skin cancer I should watch for?
Common warning signs include a new or changing mole, a pearly or flesh-colored bump, a pinkish patch of skin, a sore that doesn’t heal, or any lesion that bleeds, itches, or changes in size, shape, or color. Use the ABCDE guide — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving — as a reference. If you notice anything concerning, contact Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic at (210) 651-3233 promptly.
Is skin cancer curable?
When detected early, the vast majority of skin cancers — particularly basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas — are highly curable. Melanoma detected at an early, localized stage also has an excellent survival rate. This is why annual skin exams and self-monitoring are so important. The team at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic is committed to early detection and comprehensive treatment for the best possible outcomes.
What happens after skin cancer treatment?
After treatment, patients typically require ongoing follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence and check for new skin cancers. Sun protection is essential — our team will provide guidance on daily SPF use and protective clothing. Depending on the treatment, there may be a short recovery period with specific wound care instructions. Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic will be with you through every stage of your care.
Do you treat all types of skin cancer at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic?
Yes. Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic offers diagnosis and treatment for all major forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Our comprehensive approach includes skin exams, biopsies, and a range of treatment options — from SRT and Mohs surgery to surgical excision and electrodesiccation and curettage — so that every patient receives the most appropriate care for their specific situation.