Mohs Surgery

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is an out-of-controlgrowth of abnormal cells in the skin. The three most common types of skincancers are 1) Basal Cell Carcinoma, 2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and 3)Melanoma, which is the most dangerous of the three. Please click above for morepictures of each type of skin cancer.

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancers often begin as either anew growth or growth of an exaggerated lesion. It is recommended to have anannual skin check by a dermatologist to ensure that you do not have any newskin cancers. If you have a non-healing skin growth that is tender or bleeding,it is very important you see your dermatologist right away.

Mole or Melanoma?

Melanomas are most commonly mistakenfor a growing mole by the untrained eye. Although melanoma is the least commonof the skin cancers (the other types are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cellcarcinoma), it is the most serious. It can be life threatening if leftunchecked and as advanced melanoma may easily spread throughout the body. Accordingto the American Cancer Society, melanomas are responsible for almost 8000Americans deaths per year. If you have a new or changing mole, you should haveit evaluated by your dermatologist as soon as possible.

How Common is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common typeof cancer in America. Every year over 5.5 million new cases of skin care arediagnosed affecting over 3 million Americans. The most frequently encounteredtypes of skin cancers include Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, andMelanoma.

How Can I Treat My Skin Cancer?

Treatment of choice will depend onthe location, size, depth, and type of skin cancer you have. While there aremultiple options with various levels of clinical efficacy, it is important tohave your dermatologist explain the risk, benefit, and side effects of eachtreatment.

​Are There Any Surgical AlternativesFor Skin Cancer?

Yes, there are various topical andinjectable therapies focused on stimulating your own immune system to destroyyour skin cancer. The non-surgical treatment of choice varies case by case. Oneof the most effective topical treatments for basal and squamous cancers is acombination of Tretinoin (Vitamin A derivative used for treating acne andanti-aging), Imiquimod, and 5-Fluorouracil. True Dermatology specializes inutilizing non-surgical techniques when possible for the treatment of skincancer, based on the philosophy to treat from least to most invasive.

All components of this highlyeffective combination therapy can be found at the lowest price through GoodRxwithout insurance coverage:

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​How is Melanoma Treated?

Treatment may include a combinationof surgical excision, potential lymph node dissection, and immuno- orchemotherapy for more advanced melanomas. Invasive melanoma will requirefurther consultation with a medical and surgical oncologist. Early detectedStage 0 (Melanoma In-situ) and Stage 1 Melanoma has an excellent 5-yearsurvival rate of 98.4% while a late Stage 4 melanoma has a survival rate ofapproximately 22.5%. Annual skin check is recommended for all patients to atleast establish a baseline relationship with your dermatologist.

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What Do I Do Now My Skin Cancer isTreated?

You are at the highest risk ofdeveloping another skin cancer within the first 2-5 years of when your firstskin cancer was diagnosed. Thus, it is essential you follow closely with yourdermatologist if you have either a personal or family history of skin cancer.The frequency of skin checks (every 3 months to every 6 months) will vary basedon the number and type of skin cancers you had and also your individual risk ofdeveloping more skin cancer.

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