Local dermatology center introduces non-surgical treatment for common skin cancer in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A local dermatology center says it’s the first provider in New Hanover County to offer non-surgical treatment for a common skin cancer. 

Waccamaw Dermatology held a ceremony Tuesday to announce a new non-surgical treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer.  

Sun exposure can contribute to a common skin cancer called non-melanoma.  

In New Hanover County, more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer annually.  

Brandon Coakley is a physician with Waccamaw Dermatology.  

He says their new “image-guided superficial radiation therapy” uses ultrasound imaging to help clinicians direct low-level x-rays to targeted areas of the skin, killing cancer cells. 

“If the outcomes are the same, that should be up to you, and I think every patient deserves that conversation with their clinician about, ‘hey, I had a biopsy, these are my results, what are my treatment options?’, and at Waccamaw Dermatology we’re happy to offer all of those treatment options,” said Coakley.  

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends annual skin cancer screenings for anyone with a personal or family history of skin cancer.  

For all others, they recommend regular self-exams or talking with a dermatologist if you notice anything abnormal.