Skin Cancer Treatment in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Treatment Length:
30 minutes to several hours
Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia
Downtime:
None to 2 weeks
Table of Contents
Skin cancer treatment in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL at Dermagnify provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for skin cancer and pre-cancerous lesions, guiding you from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up with expertise and compassion.
At Dermagnify, Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Dr. Mark A. Cappel, MD, provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art skin cancer treatment for patients in Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and throughout Northeast Florida.
A diagnosis of skin cancer can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. It is a journey that requires not only the most advanced medical treatment but also compassionate, expert guidance. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, it is also one of the most curable.
As a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Dr. Cappel possesses a unique and powerful combination of skills. He is an expert at both the clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of skin cancer, as well as the microscopic analysis of the tissue, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and care from diagnosis to cure.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but outcomes are highly favorable when detected early.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and typically appears as a pink patch, pearly or waxy bump, or a sore that does not heal. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, making it highly curable when treated early. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), the second most common type, often presents as a firm red bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and reopens. While SCC can grow faster and has a slightly higher risk of spreading than BCC, it is also highly curable with early detection.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and often develops in an existing mole or appears as a new, dark spot on the skin. Unlike BCC and SCC, melanoma can spread rapidly to other organs if not treated early. Early detection is critical, as prompt treatment significantly improves outcomes and can be life-saving.
Our Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is the standard treatment for most skin cancers and involves removing the cancerous tumor along with a small margin of surrounding healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, during which the tumor is excised and the wound is closed with stitches. This approach is most commonly used for basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and early-stage melanomas.
Dermatologic Surgery
For complex skin cancer cases, Dr. Cappel provides advanced dermatologic surgical care focused on precision and preservation of healthy tissue. Treatment is carefully planned to fully remove cancerous cells while minimizing impact on surrounding skin. This thoughtful approach is especially important for cancers located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally significant areas such as the face, hands, or feet, as well as for larger, aggressive, or recurrent tumors.
Curettage and Electrodessication
Curettage and electrodessication is a common treatment used for small, superficial basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the procedure, the surface of the cancer is scraped away with a curette, and the base is then treated with an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This method is best suited for small, well-defined, superficial lesions located in non-critical areas of the body.
Topical Therapies
Topical therapies use prescription creams or gels applied directly to the skin to treat very superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions. Common examples include imiquimod, which stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells, and 5-fluorouracil, a topical chemotherapy agent. These treatments are best suited for superficial basal cell carcinomas and actinic keratoses.
Advanced dermatology, delivered with precision, personalization, and purpose.
At Dermagnify, your skin is never treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Under the leadership of double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Mark A. Cappel, MD our practice combines deep medical expertise with advanced imaging technology to deliver truly customized care.
Double Board-Certified Expertise
Comprehensive Skin Analysis
Evidence-Based Care
Customized Treatment Plans
Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology
Patient-Focused Approach
TREATMENT
OVERVIEW
Your Initial Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, Dr. Cappel will review your biopsy report, discuss the diagnosis with you, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. He will explain the procedure in detail, including the expected outcome and recovery process.
The Procedure
Most skin cancer treatments are performed in-office under local anesthesia. We will ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The duration of the procedure can range from 30 minutes for a simple excision to several hours for a more complex case.
Aftercare and Recovery
You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the wound at home. Downtime varies depending on the treatment. For simple excisions, you may need to avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks. More complex procedures may require a longer recovery period. Stitches are typically removed in 1-2 weeks.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your healing and check for any signs of recurrence. Individuals with a history of skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing new skin cancers, so regular follow-up skin exams (every 3-6 months) are essential.
Related Treatments
For optimal, comprehensive results, this treatment can be safely combined with other advanced aesthetic and wellness services offered at Dermagnify as part of a personalized plan.
Total Body Skin Exams
Ongoing, regular skin exams are the most important step in monitoring for new or recurrent skin cancers.
Dermatologic Surgery
For the removal of benign growths or for reconstructive surgery after skin cancer removal.
Fotoage Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
An excellent option for treating widespread precancerous lesions to prevent them from developing into skin cancer.
FAQ
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a suspicious lesion you would like evaluated
contact Dermagnify, Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cappel, MD.