Skin Cancer Care in Milford, CT
At Connecticut Coastline Dermatology in Milford, CT, we take skin cancer concerns seriously and emphasize early evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and prompt treatment planning. Dr. Paul Fischer and our team provide thorough screenings and guide patients through each step, from identifying suspicious lesions to confirming a diagnosis and arranging appropriate removal or referral care when needed.
Why Early Detection Matters
Skin cancer often develops from cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime, and many lesions start as subtle changes that patients dismiss. We recommend regular skin checks because early-stage skin cancer is often easier to remove and typically requires less invasive treatment. We also encourage you to schedule a visit sooner if you notice a new growth, a sore that does not heal, or a mole that changes in color, size, border, or sensation.
Skin Exams and Risk Assessment
During a skin exam, we evaluate your full skin surface and focus on areas with frequent UV exposure. We consider personal and family history, tanning habits, outdoor work, blistering sunburns, and immune status. Dr. Paul Fischer also reviews any specific spots you flag, including lesions that itch, bleed, crust, or recur.
Biopsy: The First Step in Diagnosis
A biopsy is the first step in determining whether a suspicious lesion is cancerous and what type of skin cancer it represents. We perform biopsy in the office using local anesthesia. We remove a small sample of the lesion and send it to pathology for analysis. In many cases, a biopsy does not require sutures. Pathology results guide the next steps, including whether we recommend removal, topical therapy, or specialty referral.
Skin Cancer Treatment and Removal Options
Our goal is to remove all cancerous tissue and reduce the risk of recurrence. Most skin cancer removal occurs in the office under local anesthesia, although larger lesions may require an outpatient setting for adequate anesthesia. Depending on the type, size, and location, treatment may include surgical excision and, in select cases, topical treatments.
For certain cases, Mohs surgery may offer the best margin control. While Dr. Fischer does not perform Mohs, we maintain strong referral relationships to connect you with an appropriate specialist when that method best fits your diagnosis. If melanoma appears after diagnosis, we provide referral access to the Melanoma Center at Yale for advanced care.
Schedule A Skin Cancer Screening in Milford, CT
If you have a changing mole, a persistent lesion, or you want a proactive skin cancer screening, we are here to help. Contact Connecticut Coastline Dermatology in Milford, CT at (203) 301-5860 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Fischer and our team and get clear next steps based on an accurate diagnosis.