Skin Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment in Layton, Utah

Introduction

Living in Utah means enjoying the mountains and the sun, but it also comes with a risk. Utah consistently has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the nation.

A diagnosis of skin cancer can be scary, but it is also highly treatable when caught early. At my clinic in Layton, skin cancer detection and surgery are the cornerstones of my practice. As a board-certified dermatologist, I am trained to identify the subtle signs of cancer that others might miss and perform the precise surgery needed to cure it.

The “Big Three” Skin Cancers

Not all skin cancers are the same. They behave differently and require different treatments.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) This is the most common form of skin cancer.
   • What to look for: It often looks like a pearly, shiny bump, a pink patch, or a sore that bleeds and won’t heal.
   • The Risk: BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes), but it is destructive locally. If left alone, it will continue to grow deeper into the skin, cartilage, and bone.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) The second most common type, often found on ears, lips, and scalps.
   • What to look for: A rough, scaly red patch, a wart-like growth, or a tender lump with a central depression.
   • The Risk: Unlike BCC, Squamous Cell Carcinoma can spread to lymph nodes and internal organs if ignored. Early treatment is vital.
3. Melanoma This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
   • What to look for: We use the ABCDE rule. Look for moles that are Asymmetrical, have irregular Borders, multiple Colors, a Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or are Evolving (changing). The most important of these is Evolution. If you notice a mole that is changing or behaving different than the others, come in to see if it needs a biopsy. 
   • The Risk: Melanoma can be life-threatening if it spreads. However, when caught early (in situ or thin), it is almost 100% curable with surgery.

How We Treat Skin Cancer

Once a biopsy confirms the diagnosis, we discuss the best way to remove it.

• Surgical Excision (Wide Local Excision) For most skin cancers on the trunk, arms, and legs, this is the gold standard.
  • The Procedure: Under local anesthesia, I surgically remove the tumor along with a safety margin of healthy tissue.
  • The Closure: I use advanced suturing techniques to close the wound, minimizing tension and leaving the finest possible scar.
• Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C) For superficial Basal or Squamous cell cancers, we can sometimes use a “scrape and burn” technique. This removes the cancer cells without the need for stitches.
• Mohs Surgery For cancers on high-risk areas like the face, hands, or feet, I may refer you to a Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. This specialized technique checks the margins in real-time. I work closely these Mohs surgeons in Utah to ensure your care is seamless.

Prevention is the Best Cure

The best way to survive skin cancer is to find it early. I recommend annual Full Body Skin Exams for adults in Davis County. During these exams, I examine your skin and use a tool called a dermatoscope to catch suspicious spots before they become dangerous.

Schedule Your Skin Check

If you have a spot that is changing, bleeding, or just doesn’t look right, do not wait. Schedule an exam today.

Call 801-773-4840 to schedule a consultation

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