Join our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter.
Having an Expert at Your Side
Skin cancer treatments La Jolla
Skin cancer is an insidious disease. As with most forms of cancer, skin cancer is most effectively treated in its earliest stages. This is why Dr. Darrell Gonzales offers a variety of skin cancer treatments at his La Jolla dermatology practice.
The Facts about Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States with at least 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. Because one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer over their lifetime, it is important for all of us to be able to identify the warning signs. Any mole or growth with change in size, shape, color, or behavior is an important screening tool for the identification of a malignant lesion. Irregular borders, asymmetry, and non-uniform color are other important features to watch out for.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma account for the majority of skin cancers in the United States. Over 70% of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas, which are a slow growing cancer rarely spreading to the body. Squamous cell carcinoma comprises about 20% of all skin cancers and has only a slightly higher incidence of metastasis than basal cell carcinoma. For both skin cancers, early detection minimizes risk of invasion and destruction of nearby tissue. Skin cancers are typically seen in persons with heavy sun exposure or those who have had multiple sunburns. Individuals even in their 20s are now being diagnosed with skin cancer so everyone needs to protect their skin and monitor for suspicious lesions.
Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer and its incidence is on the rise in the United States. Persons at increased risk of developing melanoma include individuals with many moles, a history of heavy sun exposure or tanning bed exposure, and a family history of melanoma. Melanoma can impact a person of any age. It can also develop in areas where there has been little to no sun exposure such as the bottom of a foot. Although the first sign of melanoma is often a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, melanoma can also appear on the body as a brand new lesion.
Advocate for the Health of Your Skin
Fear of the unknown often delays people from seeking the expertise of a dermatologist. Dr. Darrell Gonzales is a board-certified dermatologist who has specialized in the identification and surgical treatment of skin cancer. He is an active Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and performs Mohs surgery for those requiring advanced surgical removal of skin cancer, at his La Jolla practice. Dr. Gonzales has a very warm and caring bedside manner and will make sure that all of your concerns are addressed. His driven attention to detail, strong integrity, and real compassion have produced a practice where you will receive the highest quality of dermatologic care. Dr. Gonzales is experienced with skin cancer treatments at his La Jolla practice, serving San Diego and the rest of Southern California. Please contact the office of Dr. Gonzales today for your peace of mind and maintenance of healthy skin.
< Back