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The skin is the largest organ in the body and home to the most common type of cancer in the United States – skin cancer. Though most skin cancer is not life threatening, melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer kills thousands of people every year. Early detection and treatment leads to improved survival with melanoma and more normal appearance after treatment of other types of skin cancer.

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, location, size, and desires of the patient. For melanoma, aggressive treatment is necessary and guidelines have been developed to try to elucidate appropriate treatment. For other forms of skin cancer, cryotherapy to freeze the tumor, surgical excision with either conventional excision techniques or Mohs micrographic surgery, or certain topical medications which can burn the tumors.

For patients with tumors in sensitive areas, Mohs micrographic surgery can be used to preserve as much normal tissue as possible. The technique was developed by Dr. Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the early 1900′s. By using a special technique, specially trained surgeons can immediately examine the removed specimen and determine if tumor is still present. This allows for removal of only the tumor itself and allows the surgeon to leave as much normal tissue as possible.

As with any cancer though, prevention is the best medicine. Use of sunscreens and avoidance of excess ultraviolet radiation (including tanning beds) are the two best methods for helping to prevent skin cancers from forming. There are many factors which play into skin cancer development though, including genetics, so regular mole checks are necessary to catch any skin cancers at an early stage.

For patients at high risk of skin cancer, yearly head to toe skin checks with a primary care physician or dermatologist are necessary to help catch tumors at an early stage. The earlier the tumors are caught, the easier they are to treat.

For more information about lip enhancement or earlobe repair, visit Dr. Verret on the web or call for a consultation 972.608.0100.