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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not all skin cancers are the same, melanoma has the greatest potential to spread quickly and be fatal.
Melanoma represents five percent of skin cancers but causes 85% of the skin cancer deaths. Treatment is almost always surgical excision and may combine radiation therapy and chemo therapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (from the Latin scaly, looks like fish scales under microscope) is the next most dangerous as it can also spread internally and can spread to skin from an internal cancer. This can also arise from the transformation of an actinic keratosis to SCC. Treatment can be surgical or cryosurgery depending on the tumor stage. In rare advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma other adjuncts are used.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is usually localized and in very rare instances can spread internally. BCC can be treated by surgical excision, electrodessication and curettage and superficially with topical chemotherapy.
The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis, frequent self screening and skin cancer surveillance by a board certified Dermatologist at an interval determined by the patient’s history, family history and sun exposure history.
A cherry angioma is a benign vascular lesion that typically forms on the trunk area and increase in number with your age. They typically are not treated, but may be removed if they continue to bleed or get irritated.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which causes the skin to form scaly, erythematous plaques; usually on the elbows and knees.
Acne is an inflammation of the hair follicle. It is often due to various factors including genetics, skin type, sebaceous oil production, hormones, etc.
Typically, you will stop any aspirin or herbals before a surgery, unless a physician has recommended you take the medication due to your medical history. If you do take aspirin or ibuprofen, you should inform your physician, and normally will not prevent the surgery.
A seborrheic keratosis is a benign growth on the skin, sometimes known as “barnacles” or “wisdom spots.” They may increase in size and color. They are typically not removed unless in a location that causes them to get irritated or inflamed.
