Skin Cancer
At DRS Skincare Hamilton, ON
| Treatment | Skin Cancer |
| Indications |
| Treatment Recovery | Varies on treatment modality |
| # Of Treatments Required | Typically one |
| Best Results Seen | Scarring can take up to 1 year for final result |
*estimate of sessions to be determined in consultation
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is one of the more common issues that we assess and treat at DRS Skincare. It is a very important area of patient health and something that we encounter daily during patient appointments. Our experience in this area is valuable to a patient in promptly recognizing potential concerns so treatment may be provided at the earliest stages. This approach ensures the most favourable outcome. No two people are alike, and there are many types of skin cancer, as well as many forms in which it can present. We welcome patients from Stoney Creek, Burlington, Grimsby, Waterdown, or other nearby communities to ask their physicians to submit a referral for review.
What Are the Types of Skin Cancer?
Not all skin cancer is the same, and there are actually three main different kinds of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The most common type, basal cell carcinoma, may appear as a pearl-like bump, a flesh-colored round growth, or a pink area of skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer and may appear as a scaly-looking patch, a firm red bump, or a sore that keeps reopening. The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma, which is an aggressive form of skin cancer and can appear as a new dark spot on the skin or as part of an existing mole.
What to expect
At DRS Skincare, we perform biopsies on areas susceptible to skin cancer to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Many skin growths that are cancerous can be completely removed by our doctor with no further treatment required. We recommend regular skin checks by our professionals to stay on top of any changes that may occur, and maybe more frequently after a skin cancer occurrence. For more complex skin cancer surgeries, we offer referrals to a trusted plastic surgery associate to provide the patient with the most effective continuation of care.
Concerned About a Suspicious Lesion?
For OHIP-insured assessment by our medical dermatology team, please ask your family physician or other appropriate healthcare provider to submit a referral. All referrals are clinically reviewed to determine whether we can provide the requested care within an appropriate timeframe.
Patients interested in private FotoFinder mole mapping or other non-OHIP services may contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I look for?
Ask your physician to submit a referral for review if you notice any places that have changed or are concerning. We are routinely able to provide patients with a relatively shorter wait time than they can secure with some other providers. Commonly noted concerns, which should be checked right away by the dermatologist, include:
- Asymmetrical moles – meaning that one side differs from the other, which can be a warning sign for cancerous moles.
- An uneven border – a mole with uneven, scalloped, or notched edges is a greater cause for concern.
- Multiple colours—rather than a uniform colour throughout the mole, it may have a variety of shades of brown or black, and some may even appear white, red, or blue.
- Larger diameters – moles which are larger in diameter tend to be more dangerous than the smaller ones, as a rule.
- Changing – most common moles will stay the same, and any that change in size, shape, colour, or bleed should be examined.
For examination, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer, including basal cell, squamous cell, actinic keratosis (AK), and melanoma, trust your health and care to the experienced doctors and team at DRS Skincare.
How can I locate a trusted provider for skin cancer care near Hamilton, ON?
DRS Skincare offers comprehensive skin cancer evaluations and treatment options in Hamilton, ON. Patients benefit from expert assessments using advanced diagnostic tools and tailored removal techniques. Patients can ask their physician to submit a referral for review with a nearby provider to facilitate continuity of care and follow-up visits to monitor healing. Many patients also find reassurance by viewing case studies and patient experiences available through the clinic.
What are the advantages of addressing skin cancer early?
Treating skin cancer at its earliest stage reduces the need for more invasive procedures and improves the likelihood of complete removal. Early treatment can minimize scarring and shorten recovery time. Prompt attention also lowers the risk of the cancer spreading to surrounding tissues. Regular check-ins with a provider make early detection much more manageable.
Does insurance typically cover skin cancer treatments?
Most medically necessary treatments for skin cancer, including biopsies and excisions, are generally covered by insurance and/or the government. Mole mapping with Fotofinder, laser therapy to reduce certain types of skin cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer, as well as photodynamic therapy, may not be covered by insurance. Cosmetic adjustments after removal, such as scar revision, may not be included. DRS Skincare helps patients review their policy details and submit documentation to maximize coverage. Flexible financing options are available for costs not covered by insurance.
What financial considerations should I be aware of for skin cancer procedures?
The cost varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the lesion, as well as the technique used for removal. Options range from laser-assisted therapy to surgical excision or combination approaches. A consultation allows patients to review a detailed estimate, including any follow-up care. Payment plans are offered to make treatments more manageable.
Which removal methods provide the best outcomes for skin cancer?
The choice of treatment depends on the lesion’s type, size, and location. Available methods include shave excision, sutured excision, cautery, and laser-assisted techniques. Some patients benefit from combination therapy to ensure complete removal while minimizing visible scarring. Your provider will tailor the approach to achieve the safest, most effective results for your skin.
How can I reduce the risk of developing new skin cancers?
Preventive steps include daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. Regular self-examinations and routine skin check-ups with a provider help catch suspicious spots early. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and hydration, supports skin health overall. Your provider can suggest a personalized plan to reduce future risk. In addition, staying aware of your family history and any personal risk factors can help guide more targeted prevention strategies. Incorporating protective habits consistently over time greatly lowers the likelihood of developing new lesions.
What steps should I take if I notice an unusual mole or growth?
Any lesion that changes in size, shape, colour, or texture should be evaluated promptly. Early evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
OHIP Medical Dermatology Referrals
OHIP-insured medical dermatology consultations require a physician referral. All referrals are reviewed by our medical team to determine whether the condition falls within our current scope of practice and whether we can provide care within an appropriate timeframe.
We prioritize referrals based on the urgency of the concern. Submission of a referral does not guarantee an appointment.
Contact us to learn more about our Medical Dermatology & OHIP Referral Process.
Hopefully, you’ve noticed that tangerine-sized tumor on the right upper back of this gentleman. This is one of our patients. He came in for a routine skin check. All those other brown spots you see are totally normal. They’re considered seborrheic keratoses, otherwise known as wisdom and maturity spots that happen as we get a bit older, tend to run in the family. He is a person who is going through transplant for one of his organs, and he’s at a higher risk for skin cancer. Key theme here is if you notice something growing, bleeding, and changing, you wanna get it checked. He noticed something on his back, and thankfully, he came in. We sent this patient to our plastic surgery colleagues, who got rid of this for him. Thankfully, he’s okay.
This is melanoma, a form of lethal skin cancer that needs to be treated immediately. Although typically it’ll present as a changing mole or lesion, in this case it presented as a rapidly growing tumor. Fortunately, we were able to get our patient off to our plastic surgery colleagues at Toronto Minor Plastic Surgery in Oakville to get this removed quickly. If you see a spot changing, growing, or bleeding for no reason, it is really important to get it checked out.
