How Should You Treat Skin Cancer?

Laser Skin Specialists provide treatment options for a wide range of medical conditions including skin cancer. Skin cancer can be treated using Mohs Surgery, combining surgical excision with microscopic examination of the entire tissue using frozen tissue processing techniques.

*Individual results may vary

How to Identify Skin Cancer

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common forms of skin cancer. Typically, they develop as small red nodules or scaly patches of skin. The matches are often raised and may ooze or bleed easily. 

Typically, basal cell carcinomas appear as lesions that are skin tones or sores on the body. These growths will spread slowly and will never go away without treatment. 

Melanomas are far less common and more dangerous. These can be signs by changes to moles on the body. These can be identified with ABCDEs:

• Asymmetry
• Borders
• Color
• Diameter
• Evolving 

About Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery began as a technique referred to as chemosurgery. Developed by Frederic E. Mohs, MD. It wasn’t widely known until the 1960s. Perry Robins, MD then brought the technique to NYU. It was here that he established the first training program. Often referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery, the procedure is completed in stages. This includes lab work which is completed while the patient waits for the results. Cancerous cells are immediately removed and healthy tissue is spared during the treatment. A surgeon removes the cancerous tissue and a pathologist analyses the specimen. A surgeon then completes the procedure, closing the wound. 

The Importance of Annual Skin Checks

Medical doctors recommend that you get your skin checked for issues annually. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the US. Two million Americans are diagnosed each year. In total, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer compared with all other cancer stats combined.

A skin check is thorough and comprehensive. A doctor will study skin and identify any moles that are new or have changed significantly over the past year which could indicate abnormalities. The first signs of skin cancer are not always clear to the typical patient. Early identification typically leads to a more positive diagnosis. 

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

There are various benefits of Mohs surgery compared with other treatment options. Cost-effective and efficient, this treatment can be completed with one visit to an outpatient surgery. The treatment is completed with local anesthesia and the specimen is analyzed onsite. 

Furthermore, the treatment delivers precise results as the physician does examine 100% tumor margins. Mohs surgery also spares healthy tissue and leaves almost no scarring. As such, patients do not have to worry about aesthetic issues. 

The treatment also boasts the highest cure rate with 99% for skin cancer that has not been treated previously and 94% for recurring skin cancer. 

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about mohs surgery, please fill out the form on this page or call (562) 997-1144. Laser Skin Care Center proudly serves the Long Beach, CA area and offers a variety of cosmetic dermatology services.

*Individual results may vary.