What is skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when DNA damage to skin cells causes cells to mutate.  The mutated skin cells may multiply and develop into malignant tumors.  The DNA damage to skin cells may be caused by one of the following: ultraviolet (UV) radiation (the sun), tanning beds and in some cases by melanoma genetic factors

Read "Feeling the burn? a dermatologist shares how to recover"... an article quoting one of our physicians, Cynthia Bartus, M.D.

There are three common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type and the least serious, but can grow to very large cancerous lesions if not treated. Squamous cell carcinoma is also relatively common and has a higher tendency to metastasize (spread to other areas and organs of the body).  Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Skin cancer may appear as an enlarging growth, a sore which bleeds or will not heal, or a changing mole. Skin cancers may be flesh-toned, red, brown, black, or blue. They may be smooth, scaly, scabbed, or ulcerated. They can be flat or raised, itchy or asymptomatic. If you have any suspicious lesions, please see your dermatologist.

How is skin Cancer treated?

Treatment of skin cancer depends on the type of cancer and what your provider determines is the most efficacious course to take.

-  Mohs Micrographic Surgery (Mohs) Skin Cancer Surgery

• Mohs skin cancer surgery involves removing the visible tumor and then checking all the borders microscopically with frozen sections. If a microscopic tumor is still present, more tissue is removed and tested until the entire tumor has been removed. This highly-advanced technique ensures removal of the most invasive and difficult to treat forms of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This surgery is the most tissue-sparing technique with the highest cure rates and minimal scarring.

- Excision

• Surgical excision and primary closure remains the mainstay of treatment for skin cancer. In this procedure, the tumor is removed with a margin of normal tissue. The wound is closed, and the tissue is submitted to pathology for analysis of the tissue margins. This is the method most commonly used for average basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas as well as malignant melanoma.

- Curettage and electrodessication

• Curettage and electrodessication or "scraping and burning" can be effective for treating certain kinds of small or superficial skin cancers.  This procedure does not require sutures.

All of these treatment options are available here in Advanced Dermatology Associates, LTD's offices.