World-class skin cancer care: your path to skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment starts at Aura Dermatologie
At Aura Dermatologie, we are proud to offer world-class dermatologic care for patients with skin cancer. Our dermatologist, Dr. Amina Bougrine, is the first dermatologist in Quebec to hold fellowship training from the prestigious Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Harvard University. Dr. Bougrine is an expert in the early diagnosis of skin cancer and can counsel you on the management of all types of skin cancer. She holds special expertise in pigmented lesions, melanoma, and non-invasive skin imaging. For patients with advanced skin cancer who require care from a team of doctors from multiple disciplines, Dr. Bougrine collaborates with a network of local specialists to streamline your care.
What skin cancer treatment options are available at Aura Dermatologie?
When diagnosed early, most skin cancers can be treated in our office. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Bougrine will review the risks and benefits of the available treatment options and help you understand which is right for you. Pre-cancerous lesions and low-risk superficial carcinomas can sometimes be treated with a cream that can be prescribed during your visit. If surgery is recommended, she will tailor the surgical technique to your specific needs and the established diagnosis. We offer the following surgical treatments for skin cancer at our office.
- Electrodesiccation and curettage: this treatment involves surgically removing the tumour, then using an electric current and scraping to destroy any residual skin cancer cells. It is a commonly performed in-office procedure for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
- Standard surgical excision: this technique involves surgically removing the entire cancerous lesion along with a small margin of healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are removed before closing the skin defect with sutures (stitches).
For patients with high-risk skin cancer or lesions in special areas of the body, our team will collaborate with other specialists. In such cases, you may be referred for:
- Mohs micrographic surgery: This specialized method involves the meticulous removal of skin cancer in thin layers. Each layer is examined under a microscope to ensure that all cancerous cells are completely removed. It achieves the highest success rate for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and also reduces scarring. If this treatment is indicated, you will be referred to a dermatologist practicing Mohs surgery at another local institution.
- Radiation therapy: this treatment utilizes very high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used for invasive cancers, certain cancers that are particularly sensitive to radiation, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, or in patients who are not candidates for surgery. This treatment is planned and delivered under the supervision of a radiation oncologist, and patients can receive a referral from our team to undergo this treatment at a local hospital.
- Immunotherapy and chemotherapy: medical treatments for advanced skin cancers are planned and delivered by medical oncologists. Patients who need this type of treatment will receive a referral from our team to undergo this treatment at a local hospital.
Why is the early diagnosis of skin cancer, especially melanoma, crucial?
Unlike other types of cancer, skin cancer can be readily identified with visual examination and non-invasive skin imaging tools such as dermoscopy. Melanoma is a potentially lethal type of skin cancer which can be cured if diagnosed early. There is a direct correlation between the thickness of a melanoma and its ability to spread away from the skin and elsewhere into the body, turning into a life-threatening condition. When diagnosed early, melanoma can be cured with surgery.
Why is regular skin cancer surveillance and screening examination important if you are at higher risk?
Regular skin cancer screening with a trained and experienced dermatologist can help identify skin cancers at their earliest stage, especially for patients who are at a higher risk for skin cancer. The following are known risk factors for melanoma, and the risk increases if multiple factors are present:
- A personal history or a family history of melanoma
- A genetic syndrome that predisposes to melanoma
- Fair, sun-sensitive skin that tends to burn easily, with the presence of freckles and red or blond hair
- Numerous moles, exceeding 50 in number
- Moles that are large or display unusual colours or shapes
- Significant exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
- A history of severe sunburns
Who can get skin cancer?
It is important to note that individuals without any of the above risk factors, as well as individuals with darker skin tones, can still develop skin cancer, including melanoma. If you are concerned about a spot on your skin, it is always best to be cautious and consult a health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Importance of Early Detection of Skin Cancer
How can I tell if I should get a skin cancer screening done?
Think of scheduling a skin cancer screening like your yearly tune-up at the doctor—it’s all about being proactive! If you notice any unusual changes to your skin, like some moles that look different, growths that weren’t there before, or spots that itch or bleed, it is time to book a screening with Dr. Bougrine. Regular check-ups can catch issues early, even without noticeable changes, helping ensure better recovery and better health restoration.
Are skin cancer screenings painful?
A skin cancer screening is super easy and completely painless. A dermatologist examines your skin from head to toe, checking for anything unusual. Think of it as a quick full-body scan—no needles, no scary equipment, just a trained eye looking out for your skin’s health.
How long does a typical skin cancer screening take to complete?
Most skin cancer screenings take about ten to fifteen minutes. This makes it easy to fit into the schedules of our busiest patients, so there are no excuses for missing these routine visits with our team at Aura Dermatologie.
What should I wear to a screening?
When you arrive, we encourage you to wear loose clothing and be prepared to remove certain layers so the dermatologist can see your skin fully. You can always leave your underwear on, and our team will provide a gown for any areas that need covering until evaluation.
How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
This depends on your skin and medical history. If you have had skin cancer, have a family history of it, or have many moles, annual screenings are a good idea. If your skin is low-risk, your doctor might suggest less frequent check-ins. Listening to the team’s recommendations at Aura Dermatologie is important to ensure proper scheduling of this life-saving screening!
Schedule your skin cancer surveillance and screening consultation today at Aura Dermatologie!
Skin cancer is common and can often be diagnosed with non-invasive tools like visual inspection and dermoscopy. Prompt treatment initiation ensures the best outcomes for maintaining your well-being. If you would like to consult a dermatologist regarding skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, we've got your back. Please call (514) 600-3098 to schedule an appointment.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your doctor.
Dr. Amina Bougrine
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Dr. Amina Bougrine is a board-certified dermatologist in both Canada and the United States. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree and her Medical Degree (MDCM, 2009) at McGill University, she completed her residency at Universite de Montreal (2014) and her fellowship in cutaneous oncology at Harvard University (2020).
As a trusted skin specialist, Dr. Amina strives to deliver exceptional medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services to help patients in Montreal and nearby communities live their best skin.
She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.