Expert Laser Treatment for Skin Cancer
At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we offer Laser treatments for certain non-melanoma skin cancer. These treatments remove damaged cells without surgery and radiation.
Our practice is led by Dr. Kat Kesty and Dr. Chelsea Kesty, Double Board Certified Dermatologists and Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeons. All Laser procedures are performed by physicians. We can develop a customized treatment plan for each patient, based on skin type, lesion location, and personal goals.
What Type of Skin Cancer We Can Treat
Lasers can treat:
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common form of skin cancer, often appearing on sun-exposed areas. Grows slowly and rarely spreads.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ (SCCIS)
Early form of squamous cell carcinoma that stays in the top layer of skin, making it ideal for laser treatment.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Statistics
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. About one in five Americans develops it by age 70. Most cases are non-melanoma skin cancers like BCC and SCC, caused by long-term sun exposure.
Traditional treatments include surgical excision, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or topical medications, or radiation therapy. Lasers offer an alternative by precisely removing abnormal cells and improving skin quality. Research shows Lasers can effectively treat these conditions.
How Laser Treatments Work
Lasers deliver focused light energy to heat and vaporize targeted cells. This process spares healthy tissue around the area. For superficial BCC or SCCIS, the Laser penetrates to the needed depth without affecting deeper layers.
Treatment Process
We apply topical numbing for comfort. Sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes. Patients often experience mild redness, swelling and crusting. No incisions or sutures are required.
The Research
Ablative Lasers, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium:YAG (Er:YAG), remove the outer skin layer. Studies show CO2 Laser matches curettage-electrodesiccation for superficial BCC, with no recurrences at one year and comparable scar quality.
Clinical Evidence
A systematic review found ablative and non-ablative lasers are effective for BCC and SCCIS, particularly low-risk lesions, though surgery may be preferred for high-risk cases. Cure rates range from 20%-98% and therefore more research is ongoing regarding long-term efficacy.
We may combine Lasers with topical therapies for enhanced outcomes. Our Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeons ensure the appropriate selection for each case.
Benefits of Laser Treatment
Lasers provide key advantages:
No Surgical Scars
The skin heals naturally, often resulting in a smooth appearance that blends with surrounding areas. Research supports Lasers for low-risk non-melanoma skin cancer with favorable cosmetic outcomes compared to surgery.
Avoid Radiation Risks
Lasers do not involve ionizing radiation, reducing potential long-term DNA damage. This makes them suitable for repeated use if needed. Recovery involves temporary redness, fading in days for fractional treatments or 1-2 weeks for fully ablative lasers.
Prevention of Future Lesions
Lasers rejuvenate photodamaged skin. Full-face Laser Resurfacing reduced AK by 94%, with 87% of patients clear at one year and 58% at two years, lowering skin cancer risk. Ablative fractional Lasers delay AK and keratinocyte carcinoma in human trials and animal models by eliminating sun-damaged cells, activating repair pathways like insulin-like growth factor-1, and modulating immunity.
Patients report better skin texture and reduced worry about recurrence after laser treatment for pre-cancers and skin cancers. Laser treatments address existing issues while promoting long-term skin health.
What Research Shows
Fractional Laser Research
Fractional Lasers create microscopic treatment columns, allowing faster recovery by leaving some skin intact. Ablative fractional types provide better AK clearance than non-ablative ones. Non-ablative fractional Lasers improve AK severity by 79% after three sessions, with minimal side effects and high patient satisfaction.
Vascular Laser Studies
Vascular Lasers address blood vessels in precancerous areas. They reduced subsequent facial keratinocyte carcinomas by half in high-risk patients (27.1% vs. 54.2%).
Comprehensive Studies
Studies confirm the role of Lasers in managing skin cancer and AK. A systematic review found ablative and non-ablative Lasers are effective for BCC and SCCIS, particularly low-risk lesions, though surgery may be preferred for high-risk cases. More research is ongoing regarding long-term efficacy.
For prevention, a review highlighted infrared fractional Lasers' potential, with human trials and animal studies showing delayed AK and keratinocyte carcinoma. Vascular Lasers lowered keratinocyte carcinoma rates in facial cases. CO2 Laser equaled standard methods for BCC efficacy and cosmetics at one year. Non-ablative fractional Laser reduced AK severity safely. Full resurfacing provided lasting AK prophylaxis.
Lasers excel for diffuse AK, while cryotherapy may suit isolated lesions. Side effects, such as brief pigmentation changes, are generally mild compared to benefits.
Who Can Benefit
Laser treatments are appropriate for:
Low-Risk Patients
Patients with low-risk superficial BCC or SCCIS.
Multiple AKs
Those with multiple AKs due to sun damage.
Prevention Seekers
Individuals with photodamaged skin seeking prevention, such as fair-skinned people or those with outdoor exposure.
Around 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers are low-risk, making Lasers viable for many. We screen for contraindications like active infections. Deep or high-risk tumors require surgery.
Why Choose St. Petersburg Skin and Laser
We offer expert Dermatology care, with all procedures handled by Double Board Certified Dermatologists. Dr. Kat Kesty, a Fellowship Trained Laser Surgeon, has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and serves as a clinical professor. Our practice features Florida's largest selection of Lasers for precise, tailored treatments.
"The doctors take time to explain and create plans that fit my needs."
Early intervention improves results.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Consultation
Contact us to discuss how Lasers can treat your skin cancer. We are committed to your skin health.