Skin Cancer

Exposure to UV rays can damage anyone’s skin, but light-skinned people are more susceptible. Some people tan when they are exposed to the sun, as a result of an increase in the number and activity of cells that make the pigment melanin. As melanin helps block out UV rays, people with darker skin are less likely to burn. Sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. However, UV exposure without burning can also increase the risk.

Other factors besides skin tone that can increase the risk of skin damage from ultraviolet rays include:

• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Many, large, or irregular moles
• Living or vacationing at a high altitude or in a tropical or subtropical climate
• Spending a great deal of time outdoors
• Intense sun exposure on weekends after working indoors all week
• Fair skin, blue or green eyes, blond, red, or light brown hair
• Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
• Medical conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV
• Medicines that lower or suppress the immune system or make the skin more sensitive to sunlight

Early detection of skin cancer enhances functional and cosmetic outcomes, and can even save lives.

The board-certified dermatologists at Armstrong MD are experts in early diagnosis. In addition to closely assessing any lesions of concern you might have, they will frequently recommend an optional full skin check. Small skin cancers are often inconspicuous,  asymptomatic (not bothersome), or in areas, you can’t easily see yourself.

Your physician will take into consideration the history of any lesions of concern and any past skin cancers. The tools for early diagnosis include amplified lighting and close magnified examinations, including dermoscopy and skin biopsies.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with more cases diagnosed every year than all other cancer combined. This is largely due to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun is not the only culprit. Damage can also be caused by overexposure to tanning beds and sun lamps.

If you have been overexposed to UV rays in the past, there is a lot you can do to protect your skin from UV rays in the future. Frequent visits to your dermatologist can make early diagnosis and better outcomes possible.

Dr. Jennifer Armstrong’s team of medical professionals is happy to offer the following skin cancer treatments, including:

• Mohs Surgery
• Photodynamic Therapy
• Full-Body Skin Exams
• Oral or topical medication
• Laser skin treatments
• Cyst or skin tag removal
• Lifestyle changes
• The elimination of certain toxins or chemicals
• Surgical procedures

Named after its developer, Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs surgery is considered by many to be the most effective technique for removing certain types of skin cancer, specifically basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

During a Mohs procedure at Armstrong MD, the surgeons remove one thin layer of tissue at a time. After each layer is removed, the tissue is examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.

If cancer cells are detected, another layer of tissue is removed from the margin where cancer cells were present. This process is repeated until all of the margins in the final tissue sample are cancer-free. There is no guesswork in Mohs surgery for cancer removal; therefore, it produces excellent results.

Although nonsurgical options, such as photodynamic therapy or brachytherapy, are suitable for some skin cancers, surgery is still sometimes the preferred option.

Your doctor might recommend surgery for the following reasons:

• Type of skin cancer: All melanomas and most carcinomas are unsuitable for nonsurgical treatments, and almost always require surgery.
• Highest cure rate: Excision has a higher cure rate than nonsurgical treatments. Even when nonsurgical options are suitable for certain lower-risk skin cancers, many people still prefer the treatment with the highest cure rate, even with the scar and possible complications associated with surgery.
• Convenience: Most surgery can be done in a single appointment. Nonsurgical treatments often require multiple appointments.

Is Mohs Surgery A Good Option For Me?

Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice with the highest success rate for removing the most common skin cancers.

The simplicity of Mohs surgery is the reason for the technique’s success. Microscopic examination of excised tissue occurs during the procedure rather than after. This makes it possible for the Mohs surgeon to remove all the cancer cells and spare as much healthy tissue as possible.

How Much Do Skin Cancer Treatments Cost?

The cost of your skin cancer treatments will depend on the type of treatment you choose to receive, the extent of treatment needed to achieve your desired results, and the coverage provided by your current health insurance plan. To get a better idea of how much your skin cancer treatments will cost, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation.

Why Choose Jen Armstrong, MD?

Home of celebrity doctor Jen Armstrong, MD, our office offers natural-looking aesthetics to help everyone be their best self!