Prevention of skin cancer is one of Apex Dermatology’s larger shipments. We are passionate about educating people early detection of skin cancer, sun protection, and the importance of taking good care of your body’s largest organ every day. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 100,000 cases diagnosed annually. Globally, skin cancer has increased 310% the last 20 years! Fortunately, the survival rate for skin cancers that are caught and treated early is nearly 99%. One of the reasons skin cancer is such a survivable type of cancer if caught early is Mohs skin cancer surgery. This advanced skin cancer treatment is designed to remove all cancerous tissue while leaving behind as much healthy skin as possible.
We offer a full range of skin care services at our location 14 Apex Skin slots throughout Northeast Ohio, but skin cancer prevention is our most urgent service. Our goal is to help you feel confident about your healthy skin by providing you with the skin care knowledge, products and treatment you need, from cosmetic treatments to medical dermatology, including the precise, effective Mohs procedure they can rely on skin cancer patients to help them overcome what can be a very stressful and overwhelming diagnosis.
Mohs skin cancer surgery is the gold standard of skin cancer surgery, producing the highest survival rates while preserving healthy skin for smaller postoperative scars. Our experienced skin cancer surgeons have completed more than 15,000 skin cancer procedures in their careers. Therefore, if you see a suspicious spot, do not hesitate to contact us immediately for one same day SPOT Check, because early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to surviving a skin cancer diagnosis. Even if you don’t see a suspicious spot, remember that you may not be able to see all of your skin very clearly (your back, for example). This is why you should schedule one whole body skin cancer screening with us once a year too.
During a Mohs microsurgery procedure, your dermatologist slices away thin layers of skin in the affected area and then examines each layer under a microscope to detect signs of cancer. It can be used for fairly large skin cancer tumors. The surgeon continues to remove thin slices until he reaches a layer with no signs of cancer. Mohs skin cancer surgery has four major benefits for patients:
The medical community considers Mohs surgery the most effective way to remove and treat the two most common forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
Of course, Mohs skin cancer surgery is only one of many skin cancer removal procedures. While Mohs is the gold standard for many patients, each skin cancer patient has unique needs and treatment journeys, especially depending on how advanced the skin cancer is. It bears repeating over and over again: the earlier we catch skin cancer, the greater the chance of a full recovery. At Apex Dermatology, our skilled, compassionate team of skin cancer specialists will use the skin cancer treatment (or combination of treatments) that is appropriate to give you the best outcome in terms of survival while minimizing scarring. Some of these other skin cancer removal techniques include:
Cryosurgery, otherwise known as “freezing therapy” uses cold argon gas or liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancerous tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched. It is usually used on non-melanoma spots, as well as on non-cancerous spots, either for cosmetic reasons or to prevent skin cancer. It is a less invasive procedure than Mohs surgery, but sometimes multiple treatments are required to remove all the involved tissue.
In an “ED&C” procedure, your dermatologist uses a small instrument called a curette to scrape away the tumor tissue while applying an electric current to kill any remaining cancer cells. We usually use this procedure on small tumors on the arms, legs, neck and face and it can cause some scarring.
You can apply a prescription immunotherapy cancer treatment cream at home if the cancer site is superficial basal cell carcinoma. It is the least invasive treatment and lasts for a few weeks. It stimulates your body’s immune system to destroy cancerous tissue.
If the tumor is severe, persistent, or in a location that is difficult to treat by other means, you may need radiation therapy.
Your doctor surgically removes the tumor and closes the wound with stitches.
Of course, your dermatologist will fully review your moles and medical history to determine which procedure will be the most effective and least scarring skin cancer removal procedure for you. While Mohs skin cancer surgery is highly effective for many people, the location, size, depth, and severity of the skin cancer may preclude its use. Eliminating all cancer and preventing it from coming back are our primary goals with any skin cancer removal technique. Our Northeast Ohio dermatologists, including Dr. Jennifer Bahner, have performed thousands of these procedures and saved thousands of skin cancer lives.
Dr. Jennifer Banner has been saving lives from skin cancer through Mohs surgery and other techniques for many years. We asked her to share her tips and insights on the process and prevention of skin cancer today:
Compared to other skin cancer removal methods, it is highly effective in achieving complete removal of these types of skin cancer while causing as little damage as possible to healthy surrounding tissues. This level of precision enables us to remove the cancer with as little scarring as possible.
Dr. Bahner says early detection of skin cancer saves lives. Skin cancer, when diagnosed early, has a survival rate of nearly 99% after 5 years. It cannot be emphasized enough how early detection is the key to surviving skin cancer. Here is where same day SPOT checks and annual whole-body skin cancer screenings; they play a vital role. He urges people not to delay even a day if they notice any spot that has changed at all. If you have a mole or spot on your skin that has changed based on any of the following ABCDEs, schedule a SPOT check now:
In addition to early diagnosis, prevention is key. Dr. Bahner urges people to be “smart.”
“While Mohs surgery is a wonderful treatment with a high cure rate, it’s best to prevent skin cancer in the first place,” he says. “For this purpose, I recommend applying sunscreen every day. (Yes, even in Northeast Ohio!) Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, with an SPF of at least 30. Avoid midday sun, when the UV index is highest, and seek shade when outdoors. Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing also protect us from UV rays.”
Take good care of your skin and seek professional care from your Apex Skin dermatologist whenever a skincare concern arises. Your skin is an important, protective, breathable barrier that requires just as much care for your overall health as any other organ in your body. Be vigilant about sunscreen and sun protection, notify us of any suspicious spots, and schedule your annual full-body skin cancer screening. If you receive a diagnosis of skin cancer, we can help you with Mohs skin cancer surgery and a range of other life-saving treatments tailored exactly to your needs.
