Medical Dermatology

About Skin Cancer Removal

What is it?

What happens if you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer? What are the options? What is the likelihood of successful treatment? Our dermatology specialists understand that skin cancer can affect not only physically, but psychologically as well. We are here to provide treatment, encouragement, strength, support, and answers to all your questions should you ever receive such a diagnosis. We’ll be by your side each step of the way, from diagnosis to prognosis to treatment and aftercare support. Most importantly, know that skin cancer is very treatable. Even melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a 90% five-year survivability rate for patients who receive treatment.

What to expect

When it comes to skin cancer, treatment protocols typically involve one or a combination of the following treatments:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment typically used for early-stage skin cancer that has not spread. This treatment is effective for actinic keratosis, warts, and superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. During cryotherapy, the cancerous area is targeted with extremely cold liquid gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide between -346° F and -320° F) that instantly freezes the cancerous tissue before destroying it. You will receive your cryotherapy treatment in the office, often as part of a regular exam. Typically, cryotherapy only takes a few moments to perform and you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment is complete.

Electrodessication and curettage (EC&D)

This simple 2-step surgical procedure is especially effective for individuals with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. By removing the cancerous tissue via curettage (scraping), and then closing the wound by electrodesiccation (superheating process), our surgeons can safely and effectively eradicate cancerous cells from your body. EC&D is performed in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes 30 minutes or less with no downtime following the procedure. In most cases, this treatment doesn’t even require sutures! EC&D is recommended for areas of the body that are not regularly visible, such as the back or torso. It is also an excellent option for superficial, less serious skin cancers that have yet to spread beyond ¼ to ½ inch (6-10mm) in diameter.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery is a minor surgical procedure that carefully removes cancerous lesions from your body before they have a chance to spread. Our dermatologists recommend this procedure for small to medium-sized moles/lesions in areas of the body typically covered by clothing. Excisional surgery is a quick in-office procedure that is usually performed with local anesthesia. Following the procedure, the removed tissue will be sent to our pathology lab to determine if it was cancerous and to see if all the cancerous cells were removed. The excisional surgery option is a good choice if a skin lesion is affecting your appearance. A consultation with your neighborhood skin cancer specialists at our center can determine if this treatment is right for you.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a time-tested procedure that remains one of the most effective skin cancer removal methods available. The procedure is meticulous and tumor removal is precise, accurate, and immediate. With Mohs surgery, uncertainty is not an issue; the procedure has a proven high success rate, features long-lasting results, and entails a shorter recovery time for patients. With Mohs, once all remnants of cancer have been removed, the procedure is over and patients are cancer-free. If you have a troublesome skin tumor or lesion, discuss it with your trusted community dermatologist to know if Mohs surgery is a viable option for you.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy provides a fast skin cancer treatment with minimal side effects and exceptional cosmetic outcomes. The technology is unique because it uses a miniaturized x-ray source that can be turned on or off, instead of the traditional radioactive seeds that are always emitting radiation. This means that the shielding requirements are very minimal, and your radiation therapy team can remain in the treatment room with you. Because it is a short procedure with minimal side effects, eBxTM is an ideal skin cancer treatment alternative for patients not interested in surgery.

After the procedure

Recovery from skin cancer removal depends on the type of treatment performed. To learn more about skin cancer recovery, please contact one of our dermatology specialists today!

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Skin cancer is our specialty. We have a variety of highly-trained and experienced skin cancer specialists who have a wide array of treatment options at their disposal. During a skin cancer consultation at our center, our dermatologists will assess your unique case and customize a treatment program suited to your particular needs.

Lumps, Bumps and Moles

About Lumps, Bumps, and Moles

What are they?

Lumps, bumps, and moles is a general term that typically refers to warts, skin tags, vascular birthmarks, cysts, fat deposits, and more. Normally, these skin growths and irregularities are benign; however, they can have a negative bearing on your self-esteem because they often form on parts of your body that are easily visible, such as the face or neck. Other areas of the body that frequently develop lumps, bumps, and moles include the torso, back, arms, legs, and groin.

What causes them?

Since lumps, bumps, and moles can develop due to a multitude of reasons, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can properly identify and treat your particular condition.

Common treatments

Our skin experts have the training, knowledge, and experience to help you manage a variety of lumps, bumps, moles, warts, cysts, vascular birthmarks, and other skin irregularities. Treatment options include pulsed dye laser (PDL), Cutera Excel V laser, steroids, surgical excision, and prescription oral or topical medications. In some cases, such as with moles, only simple observation is necessary. However, since benign skin growths and irregularities vary from person to person, a consultation with your favorite skin specialist is the only to way to know which treatment is best for you.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand that abnormal lumps or bumps in your skin may seem like nothing more than just a sign of aging, but they may actually be damaging the health and appearance of your skin. As your neighborhood skin specialists, we’re here to provide encouragement and advice about a variety of lumps, bumps, and moles. Our compassionate staff of experts is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns, so don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can manage these unwanted skin irregularities.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

About Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in skin cell DNA, which then spreads to surrounding cells. SCC occurs in the squamous layer found at the top of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis). Symptoms of SCC typically include a scaly, firm reddish nodule on the skin or a flat, crusty skin lesion. It usually develops where the skin is frequently exposed to the sun, particularly the face, ears, hands, neck, and scalp.

What causes it?

If you have fair skin and/or spend a lot of time in the sun, the risk of developing SCC greatly increases, although there are other common risk factors as well. Some of these additional risk factors include living in sunny climates or high-altitude locales, having a family history of skin cancer, and having a history of frequent sunburns. Though less common than basal cell carcinoma and rarely life-threatening, SCC should not be dismissed. We urge you to contact your neighborhood skin healthcare provider if and when you notice unusual skin lesions, discolorations, bumps, and other abnormalities.

Common treatments

We know how apprehensive squamous cell carcinoma can make you. As your community skin cancer experts, we realize it can even be traumatic emotionally and physically, which is why we are here with comprehensive advice and solutions to overcome this condition. Our skin cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to address squamous cell carcinoma. We urge you to undergo regular skin cancer screenings, especially if the above risk factors apply to you. If it is determined that you have squamous cell carcinoma, we offer an assortment of treatment options, including topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), excision surgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and cryotherapy.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

What distinguishes our skincare from others is our attention to you as a person. Our expert practitioners are here to alleviate your concerns and provide compassionate support. With your input, we will find the solution that best addresses your condition.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

What is it?

Shingles is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and can occur anywhere on your body but most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of your torso. The virus isn’t life-threatening, but it can be very painful. Early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles.

A few days before the rash appears, you may have pain, burning, or tingling on an area of your skin where the rash will develop. Some people say they felt an electrical sensation on their skin before getting the rash. Some people get more blisters after the rash appears, so it can seem that the rash is spreading and developing in other areas.

What causes it?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus can go dormant in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. You can catch this virus again, but as an adult, it becomes the shingles. This virus is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be very painful and last for a long period of time. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles and it’s severity, also early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and then can become blisters. Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso. If you think you have shingles, call us today for an appointment, as early treatment can lessen the effects.

Common treatments

The good news about Shingles is that it’s not life-threatening and can be treated. If you think you have this virus, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist as soon as possible. Catching the virus in the first 3 days can reduce the effects significantly like pain, lessen the amount of time you have it, and lower the risk of developing other health conditions. Prescription antiviral medication may be used and will reduce the severity of the rash, and possibly the length it stays active. Common medications that are prescribed can be acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. If you are experiencing severe pain let your doctor know, and they will either prescribe medication to reduce the inflammation and pain or suggest over-the-counter medication like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. Always check with your doctor first before using any medication.

The majority of people get shingles once, but it’s possible to get it again. If you are healthy and have a strong immune system, the blisters tend to clear in 7 to 10 days. Rashes tend to go away completely within 2 to 4 weeks, check with your dermatologist on how to treat the blisters so they don’t scar. The pain may last longer than the blisters but usually stops in a couple of months. Be sure to communicate with your doctor if you continue to have pain or blisters. The key to this virus is catching it as soon as you think you have it, this will reduce the effects of the virus. If you think you have shingles call an office today and make an appointment.

Melanoma

About Melanoma

What is it?

The most common type of cancer in the country is skin cancer, and melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In general, melanoma and other skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – form due to negative mutations of skin cell DNA in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The spread of these mutations to adjacent cells, particularly when uncontrolled and rapid, raises the risk of malignancy. Melanoma develops when mutations occur in melanocyte cells, which are skin cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanomas frequently form in areas that don’t get much sun exposure and often start out as a mole, a large brown spot, or an irregular lesion.

What causes it?

Melanoma can occur regardless of your ethnicity, race, skin type, or skin color. The damage accumulation from years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the biggest cause of melanoma. Other causes include a compromised immune system or exposure to toxins, radiation, and other harmful substances Additionally, there are several risk factors associated with melanoma. These risk factors include the following: family history of skin cancer, fair skin, numerous sunburns through the years, sunny climates, locations at high altitude, moles, and precancerous lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis).

Common treatments

If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, the following treatment options are very effective: topical medications, superficial radiation therapy (SRT), Mohs micrographic surgery, surgical excision procedure, photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, and electrodesiccation and curettage. Not all of these options are available at all offices. Please call to check.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

We understand how a diagnosis of melanoma can impact your life. That’s why, as your local skin experts, we’re here with the knowledge and training to help you overcome this disease. We offer solutions tailored to suit your health needs and goals, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, from diagnosis and prognosis to compassionate aftercare support. If you have melanoma symptoms or are regularly exposed to risk factors, you should schedule a screening with our knowledgeable skin cancer experts. Our neighborhood staff offers compassionate support while working to find the best solution for you.

Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today to learn more about melanoma and the treatment options we provide for this condition.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

About Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, which then spread to adjacent cells. BCC occurs in the deepest (basal) layer of the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis. BCC is the most common form of skin cancer in the country. It often appears as a flat lesion with a waxy, yet scar-like appearance and usually forms in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the nose, neck, ears, and scalp.

What causes it?

Though rarely dangerous, basal cell carcinoma should not be ignored. Contact your neighborhood skin health care provider if you notice unusual skin bumps, lesions, discolorations, or other irregularities. Although chronic sun exposure is a leading cause of BCC, other common risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, a history of skin cancer in your family, sunny climates, and high-altitude locations.

Common treatments?

We understand that a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma can cause apprehension and even be physically and emotionally traumatic. As your community skin cancer experts, we are here to provide advice and solutions if you ever receive such a diagnosis. We provide a range of customizable treatment options to suit your needs based on your individual goals and concerns. We’ll be with you each step of the way with compassionate care and comprehensive support so you can live your life to the fullest.

If you are found to have basal cell carcinoma, we have a variety of treatment options to choose from. These include topical medications, excision surgery, cryotherapy, electrodesiccation with curettage, photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and superficial radiation therapy (SRT).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our skin cancer experts have the experience and training to help eliminate basal cell carcinoma. What sets us apart from others is our focus on you as a person. Our warm, compassionate practitioners are ready to address your concerns and be an essential part of your support. Together with you, we find the best solution to address this skin cancer. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact our skin cancer specialists to get the customized treatment that suits your case.