Despite increased education, the number of skin cancer cases continues to rise - now more than 1 million new cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone. Midwest Dermatology Clinic is committed to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer.
Midwest Dermatology Clinic physicians are skin cancer experts with the experience to provide expert care using the newest and most effective forms of treatment. In addition to treating hundreds of skin cancer cases each year, they are leaders in the early detection of this disease and its advanced treatment using the Moh's surgical technique - still one of the most effective treatments available.
Types Of Skin Cancer
There are many forms of skin cancer, each bringing with it varying degrees of danger - ranging from disfigurement to life-threatening malignancies. Most often caused by long term exposure to the sun, they are often found on parts of the body with frequent exposure, such as the face, hands, arms, chest and back.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer is also the most treatable. If you see the warning signs of a
basal cell carcinoma,
don't ignore them. This form of skin cancer can damage surrounding tissue and even the bone and cartilage underneath, if
left untreated.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is most often found on the face, scalp, ears, chest and back. Most commonly seen as a raised bump or nodule, it can be shiny or pearly in color. Sometimes, they appear as non-healing pimples or sores.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Another common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma often is the natural progression of an early pre-cancerous lesion known as actinic keratosis. Early treatment is important because, in some cases, squamous cell carcinomas can spread.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas are often scaly or crusty in appearance. Or, they may look like non-healing ulcers with a raised base. Any bump or open sore that won't heal should be checked for the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma.
Malignant Melonoma
Malignant Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can advance and spread to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent life threatening progression of this form of cancer.
Change in a mole or pigmented skin lesion may signal melanoma and immediately medical attention should be sought. Pay close attention to the ABCDE's of melanoma: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution. Any change or abnormalities of this nature are possible warning signs.
Detection
The key to surviving skin cancer is to find it as early as possible. Self-exams of all areas of the skin, especially those exposed to sunlight, and professional examinations by your physician are most effective. Routine exams will help you detect these warning signs:
- A growth that is new or increases in size.
- A spot that itches, crusts, scabs or bleeds.
- An open sore or wound that does not heal
- A mole or growth that is waxy, black, multicolored, has irregular borders, or grows in an asymmetrical pattern.
Treatment
If a cancerous or pre-cancerous growth is detected, your physician will recommend it be removed - completely. The physicians at Midwest Dermatology Clinic have the specialized training and experience to provide today's most advanced and effective treatment available, Moh's surgery. It offers the highest cure rate by allowing physicians to trace the cancer microscopically beneath the skin's surface for complete removal.
For pre-cancers and less aggressive skin cancers, physicians can offer other treatment options, such as:
- Electrodesiccation. Using a mild electrical current to "burn" the lesion and surgical instruments to remove the affected tissue.
- Cryosurgery. Liquid nitrogen used in a fine spray to "freeze" the lesion and affected area.
- Surgical Excision. With routine pathology to determine that the cancer has been removed.
Prevention
The most effective form of prevention is to protect yourself from the sun. That means:
- Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and a hat.
- Apply and frequently re-apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
- Avoid tanning parlors.
Find Out More
Schedule a consultation with one of the Midwest Dermatology Clinic physicians or take advantage of Mole Watch, our free skin cancer screening program. To learn more about skin cancer warning signs and prevention,
request a bookmark or brochure.
