WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells mutate and multiply at uncontrolled and unpredictable speed. If diagnosed at an early stage, skin cancer is curable. By making yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, you can reduce the risk of negative repercussions of cancer on your health.
Mohs surgery is considered as the gold standard of treatment for certain types of skin cancer. Choose an experienced dermatologist for safe and effective Mohs skin cancer surgery treatment in PA.
What is Skin Cancer?
Melanoma
The most hazardous type of skin cancer is Melanoma. Melanoma is caused by the unrestricted growth of skin cells into cancerous growths due to genetic mutations, most often caused by damage to DNA from ultraviolet rays found in sun and tanning beds. The subsequent malignant tumors manifest on the skin usually in the form or irregular-appearing dark spots. Occasionally, pre-existing moles can turn into melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCCs are growths that occur in the epidermal basal skin cells –known to line the outermost layer of skin. Cumulative sun exposure and intermittent sunburns are the most common causes of basal cell carcinomas. This type of skin cancer can have a few different morphologies including patchy, red skin, skin-colored “pearly” bumps, and non-healing sores to name a few.
The United States reportedly diagnoses over four million cases of BCC per year, making it the most common type of cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The unrestrained growth of carcinogenic cells in the squamous cells causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The squamous cells constitute the epidermis or the top layers of skin. Signs and symptoms of SCC usually are open sores, warts, scaly skin, red patches, and bumpy growths which can look raised, with a depression in the middle.
More than one million cases of SCC are detected by registered doctors in the US – showing a 200% increase in cases in the last 30 years – and of those diagnosed approximately 8,800 persons lose their lives to it.
An annual skin check by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. David Kasper can help in early detection of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment options would be discussed by Dr. David Kasper. If a skin cancer is deemed to be treated best with the gold standard of Mohs skin cancer surgery, Dr. Aradhna Saxena is a board-certified, fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. Fellowship training is a 1 year program in which Dr. Saxena specifically worked with cancer patients to remove skin cancer and reconstruct skin wounds on a daily basis.
Dr. David Kasper and Dr. Aradhna Saxena practice dermatology to the highest standard of care in 2 locations in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Lansdale and Fort Washington.