Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer with approximately one million people developing it yearly. It usually occurs on sun-exposed skin as a pink or pearly looking bump or patch often with dilated blood vessels in the surface. It can ooze or bleed. Basal cell carcinoma has an extremely low rate of spread (metastasis).

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer with about 200,000 new cases each year. It frequenly arises from a precancerous lesion called and actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma usually presents as a non-healing opaque bump on sun-exposed areas that may or may not be painful. Approximately 2% of these tumors spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

Precancers or Actinic keratoses can be treated to prevent cancerous transformation. We offer an exciting new treatment for these precancerous lesions that is painless, efficient and leaves no scarring. For more information about this treatment called photodynamic therapy see the laser and blue light treatments section of our website.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it is the most likely skin cancer to spread (metastasize). Approximately 50,000 people develop a melanoma each year. Family or personal history of abnormal moles or melanoma puts a person more at risk for this type of skin cancer. Melanoma arises from a pre-existing mole or a new mole. Because the depth of the melanoma determines the cure rate, early detection is essential. A mole that develops any of the characteristics below should be evaluated in our clinic:

• A- Asymmetry: The lesion's sides do not look alike if it is cut in half.
• B- Border Irregularity: The mole has edges that are jagged .
• C- Color Varigation: The mole has more than one shade of brown or many colors within it.
• D- Diameter: The mole is larger than a pencil eraser.
• E-Enlargement: The mole enlarges or changes in any way over a short period of time.

Tanning beds are no safer than the sun and have been shown to cause cancer and photoaging. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

• Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, daily. We recommend active the ingredients zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Parsol 1789
• Avoid outdoor activities between 10 am and 3 pm when possible
• Wear broad brimmed hats and long sleeve shirts
• Examine yourself regularly
• Start early childhood education and put sunscreen on your kids. Sunscreens are safe for infants 6 months and older.

Liquid nitrogen treatment: Liquid nitrogen for removal of various skin lesions (warts, precancers, etc.). Swelling or blistering occurs at the site and the area may be slightly red and tender after treatment. The blister can be opened with a needle cleaned by soaking in alcohol for 5-10 minutes to relieve pressure if needed. The treated area should be cleansed with soap and water twice daily and covered with clean Vaseline* with a Band-aid until healed (usually complete in 2-3 weeks**).

Cantharidin (Beetle Juice) and Podophyllin: Cantharidin and podophyllin are compounds, used for warts or molluscum, that cause a blister. These agents should be washed off with soap and water as directed by the physician. The blistered area may be tender and at times blood filled. For care see above.

Skin biopsy: Biopsy can be done by shaving a portion of skin without a stitch or by cookie cutter removal of skin followed by closure with a stitch. In either case the area should be cleansed twice daily with soap and water and covered with clean Vaseline* and a Band-aid until healed. This generally takes 2-4 weeks.**

Treatment of a Skin Cancer (Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma) by Shave ED&C: This leaves a slightly depressed area that should be cleansed twice daily with soap and water and covered with clean Vaseline and a Band-aid until healed. The area usually heals and fills in within 2-4 weeks.**

Surgical removal followed by stitches or staple closure: This is commonly done for various skin lesions. The stitches or staples will be removed in 5-14 days depending on the site of the surgery. The area should be cleansed twice daily with soap and water and covered with clean Vaseline* and a Band-aid until healed. Mild drainage and tenderness within 24-48 hours is not unusual. Excessive movement of the surgery site with heavy lifting or other vigorous activity can delay healing and should be avoided until suture removal.

Bleeding: If post-op bleeding occurs, uninterrupted pressure for 10 minutes should stop it. If bleeding persists, please call our office or report to a local ER.

* Vaseline is recommended post-procedure since some patients develop an allergy to topical antibiotics like Neosporin. This allergy causes itching, oozing and redness that can mimic an infection.

** Healing may be delayed in certain people (diabetics) and in certain sites (lower leg, trunk).