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Our team of compassionate, highly trained urologists provides comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs. We’re here to guide you with expertise, respect, and care — every step of the way.
Texas Oncology is a leader in groundbreaking cancer research and clinical trials in Texas, paving the way for new breakthroughs in cancer care.
Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose skin cancer and may use the following tests and exams:
During this exam, a provider looks at suspicious lesions or changes in moles. They may also inquire about your personal and family history of skin cancer, sun exposure, and other risk factors.
A small tissue sample is removed from the suspicious area of skin and examined under the microscope for cancerous cells.
For advanced basal cell carcinoma, targeted therapies that inhibit the Hedgehog pathway can be effective. These include drugs Erivedge (vismodegib) and Odomzo (sonidegib). Immunotherapy can also be used. Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) is an immunotherapy drug approved to treat advanced basal cell carcinomas.
For advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, immunotherapy drugs are often used for treatment including Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc), Keytruda (pembrolizumab), and Unloxcyt (cosibelimab-ipdl). Chemotherapy drugs can also be an option for these patients.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed to remove the cancer completely.
Immunotherapy
This therapy uses medicines to stimulate a person’s immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy drugs
Targeted therapy drugs work by targeting specific genetic mutations to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. It can be taken orally as a pill or injected into the vein.
Radiation therapy
Using high-energy X-rays, radiation therapy works to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This prevents cancerous cells from reproducing and growing.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It protects the body from germs, covers internal organs, and regulates temperature. There are two main layers of the skin: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis forms the outer layer of the skin whereas the dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis. Skin cancer tends to form in the epidermis. At Texas Oncology, we are here to provide trusted expertise, advanced treatments, and individualized care every step of the way.
The type of skin cancer is largely dependent on the type of cell where the cancer begins. There are three main types:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type of cancer, BCC begins in the basal cells. These cells are responsible for producing new skin cells.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common type of cancer. This cancer forms in the squamous cells, cells that make up the skin’s upper layers.
Melanoma
This fast-growing cancer starts in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation.
Skin cancer is primarily caused by damage to the DNA in skin cells. This can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. There are several risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer, including:
While there is no sure way to prevent skin cancer, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
Different types of skin cancer can present varying symptoms. It is important to consult your provider about any of the following signs of cancer:
Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose skin cancer and may use the following tests and exams:
During this exam, a provider looks at suspicious lesions or changes in moles. They may also inquire about your personal and family history of skin cancer, sun exposure, and other risk factors.
A small tissue sample is removed from the suspicious area of skin and examined under the microscope for cancerous cells.
For advanced basal cell carcinoma, targeted therapies that inhibit the Hedgehog pathway can be effective. These include drugs Erivedge (vismodegib) and Odomzo (sonidegib). Immunotherapy can also be used. Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) is an immunotherapy drug approved to treat advanced basal cell carcinomas.
For advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, immunotherapy drugs are often used for treatment including Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc), Keytruda (pembrolizumab), and Unloxcyt (cosibelimab-ipdl). Chemotherapy drugs can also be an option for these patients.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed to remove the cancer completely.
Immunotherapy
This therapy uses medicines to stimulate a person’s immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy drugs
Targeted therapy drugs work by targeting specific genetic mutations to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. It can be taken orally as a pill or injected into the vein.
Radiation therapy
Using high-energy X-rays, radiation therapy works to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This prevents cancerous cells from reproducing and growing.
Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.
Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.
