Skin Cancer

Screening and Treatment of Skin Cancer

cosmetic skin treatments

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. It is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year. At The Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive screenings and examinations for those patients who have not been diagnosed with skin cancer but are concerned about their sun exposure or risk factors.

Fortunately, most skin cancers are visible and can be diagnosed and successfully treated before they spread to other parts of the body. In fact, many lesions can be detected and treated at a precancerous stage – the point at which their cells may be close to turning cancerous but have not yet. 

Treatments

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is used in the treatment of benign and some malignant tumors. This method of treatment destroys diseased skin cells by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion using a cotton applicator stick or an aerosol spray. This procedure may be repeated to guarantee total destruction of malignant cells. Cryosurgery is easy to administer and effective for the most common tumors. It is also the treatment of choice for patients who have bleeding disorders or intolerance to anesthesia.

Dermatologic Surgery

One of the most common treatments for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis and melanoma is dermatologic excisional surgery. Excisional skin surgery involves the cutting away or removal of superficial structures, is performed under local anesthesia, and seldom entails major blood loss or fluid shifts. That being said, it is still an invasive procedure, and we recognize that it can be scary for many patients. During an excisional surgery, the tumor is cut out, along with a small amount of normal non-cancerous skin at the edges. This differs from an excisional biopsy. The margins are wider because the diagnosis is already known.

MOHS Micrographic Surgery

MOHS Micrographic Surgery is the most advanced and effective treatment for skin cancer available. It has the highest cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas with cure rates of 95–97%. The MOHS surgeon removes the minimum amount of healthy tissue, and the procedure does not require general anesthesia.  Most patients do not have to be hospitalized, so it can be managed on an outpatient basis.

Dr. Wilmoth and Dr. Challgren have been trained in this highly specialized cancer treatment and both are Fellows with the American Society of Mohs Surgery.

Please call today to schedule an appointment – 919-782-2152