Skin Cancer Treatment at Dermatology Associates of Ithaca
At Dermatology Associates of Ithaca, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for all types of skin cancer. A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but our board-certified dermatology team is here to guide you through every step of care with compassion, clarity, and experience.
Led by award-winning Dermatologist Dr. Josephine Chu McAllister, MD, FAAD, our practice has decades of experience treating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and precancerous skin lesions. We focus on early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and approaches that maximize cure while preserving healthy skin whenever possible.
What to Expect During Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Your care begins with a thorough evaluation and continues with a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
During your visit, your provider may:
- Perform a comprehensive skin examination
- Review your medical history, sun exposure, and risk factors
- Evaluate suspicious or changing lesions
- Recommend a skin biopsy when needed
Feeling Nervous?
Check Our Our Skin Cancer Handout: LINK HERE
Skin Biopsies
If a lesion appears suspicious, a skin biopsy may be recommended. This is a quick, in-office procedure performed after numbing the area to minimize discomfort. A small sample of skin is sent to a dermatopathology laboratory, where fellowship-trained dermatopathologists examine it under a microscope and generate a detailed report.
Pathology Review and Results
Dr. McAllister personally reviews pathology results and develops a treatment plan based on the specific diagnosis, location of the lesion, and individual patient needs. Patients are typically asked to call the office about two weeks after a biopsy to review results. If additional treatment is required, we take time to explain the findings and next steps in detail.
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Why Prompt Skin Cancer Treatment Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. When detected and treated early, most skin cancers are highly curable. However, delayed treatment can allow cancer to grow deeper, spread, or cause disfigurement.
Timely treatment not only improves cure rates but often allows for less invasive procedures and better cosmetic outcomes. Our goal is to treat skin cancer effectively while supporting long-term skin health.
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Types of Skin Cancer We Treat
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It often appears as a pearly or shiny bump, a pink patch, or a sore that does not heal. While BCC rarely spreads to other organs, it can grow deeper and wider if left untreated, damaging surrounding tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It may present as a firm red bump, scaly patch, open sore, or wart-like growth, sometimes with crusting or bleeding. SCC can be more aggressive than BCC and may spread if not treated promptly.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous of the three most common types of skin cancer. It often presents as a changing mole and may be black, brown, pink, red, blue, or even skin-colored. Early detection is critical, as melanoma can spread quickly if untreated.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment recommendations depend on the type of skin cancer, its size and location, and individual patient factors. Most treatments are performed on an outpatient basis in our office.
Treatment options may include:
Dermatology Associates of Ithaca
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin and examining them immediately under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. This technique preserves as much healthy skin as possible while achieving high cure rates.
For melanoma, early-stage lesions are often treated with surgical excision using standard safety margins. For higher-risk cases, we collaborate closely with surgical oncology and plastic surgery colleagues to provide comprehensive care, including sentinel lymph node biopsy when indicated.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancers are often painless. Any new, changing, or unusual spot should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Use the ABCDEs as a guide when examining moles or pigmented lesions:
A | Asymmetry
One half does not match the other
B | Border
Edges are irregular or poorly defined
C | Color
Multiple colors or uneven shading
D | Diameter
Larger than 6 mm, though smaller lesions can still be concerning
E | Evolving
Changes in size, shape, color, or appearance
If you notice any of these changes, schedule an evaluation promptly.
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Sun Protection and Ongoing Care
Once a patient has been diagnosed with skin cancer, they are at increased risk for recurrence and for developing new skin cancers. Ongoing skin surveillance and sun protection are essential.
We provide guidance on:
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If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or are concerned about a suspicious spot, our experienced dermatology providers are here to help. We are committed to providing thoughtful, expert care every step of the way.
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