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SURGical dermatology
Skin cancer treatment in Richardson, TX
Diagnosis and in-office treatment of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and precancerous spots by a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider
MD, FAAD · Board-certified dermatologist. You will see her at every visit.
Overview
Understanding skin cancer
Skin cancer develops when skin cells damaged by ultraviolet light, most often from the sun or tanning beds, begin to grow out of control. It is the most common cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers are found early and can be treated with a procedure in the office.
The diagnosis is made with a skin biopsy, which shows the type of cancer and how deep it goes. Those details, together with the location and your overall health, determine the treatment. Dr. Riemenschneider performs your biopsy, explains the results and plans treatment with you.
When to see a dermatologist
A sore will not heal, or heals and comes back
A pearly, scaly or crusted bump is growing
A mole is changing in size, shape or color
You have been diagnosed with skin cancer and need treatment
Types of skin cancer we treat
Basal cell carcinoma. The most common skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can damage nearby skin if left alone.
Squamous cell carcinoma. Another common type. It often looks scaly or crusted and can spread if it is not treated.
Melanoma. The most serious type, which starts in pigment cells. Finding it early makes the biggest difference.
Precancerous spots. Rough, scaly patches called actinic keratoses, which can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
Atypical moles.Moles with irregular features, removed when they look concerning.
Treatment
How we treat skin cancer
Treatment is chosen for the type, size, depth and location of the cancer. Many skin cancers are treated in a single visit under local anesthesia, and you go home the same day.
Surgical excision. The cancer is removed along with a margin of normal skin, the area is often closed with stitches and the tissue is checked by a lab.
Scraping and cautery. A quick treatment for small, shallow cancers, also called electrodesiccation and curettage.
Creams and freezing. Prescription creams such as fluorouracil or imiquimod, or liquid nitrogen, for precancerous spots and some shallow cancers.
Mohs surgery referral. A surgical option for cancers on the face and other delicate areas. When Mohs is the best option, we coordinate your care with a trusted Mohs surgeon.
Your visit
What to expect
Biopsy and results. A small sample is taken after numbing the area. We contact you with the results and explain what they mean.
Treatment visit. Most procedures are done in the office under local anesthesia.
Follow-up and skin cancer screenings. You leave with wound care instructions, and we schedule regular skin exams afterward.
In network with most major health plans. See every plan we accept
Questions
Common questions about skin cancer treatment
Have a question that is not here? Call 214-833-5300.
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The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Soreness afterward is usually mild and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Any procedure that removes skin leaves a scar. Dr. Riemenschneider plans the removal along the natural lines of the skin so the scar is as fine as possible, and scars continue to fade for up to a year.
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Mohs surgery removes a skin cancer one thin layer at a time, checking each layer under a microscope until no cancer remains instead of processing the tissue after your excision. Skin cancers on certain locations can be treated with Mohs surgery due to a lack of excess tissue.
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Having one skin cancer raises the chance of another, so regular screening exams matter. Most people are seen every 6 to 12 months, and more often after melanoma.
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day, wear a hat and protective clothing, avoid tanning beds and check your own skin once a month.
Related care Skin cancer screening Mole removal Cyst and lipoma removal Keloids and scars All surgical dermatology
Reviewed by Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Last reviewed October 2026. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.
Address 702 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 104, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone 214-833-5300