What Causes Skin Cancer?
Excessive exposure to sunlight is the single most important factor associated with the development of skin cancer. In addition, the tendency to develop these cancers appears
hereditary in certain ethnic groups, especially those with fair complexions who burn rather than tan after sun exposure. Fair skinned people develop skin cancers more frequently than dark skinned people and the more sun exposure they receive, the more likely they are to develop skin cancer. Other factors, including exposure to certain chemicals may also be involved in the development of skin cancer, but the highest incidence is found in cities such as Dallas and Miami where the sun is very intense.
How Is Skin Cancer Treated?
There are several methods for treatment including excision (surgical removal), electrodessication and curettage (burning and scraping), X-ray therapy, cryosurgery (freezing), topical chemotherapy and Mohs micrographic surgery. The method chosen depends on the location of the cancer, its size, type and previous treatment. Your doctor will base his/her recommendation on these factors.
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What Is Mohs Surgery?
About 40 years ago, Dr. Frederick Mohs developed a unique form of treatment for skin cancer called chemosurgery. Dr, Mohs applied a caustic chemical to harden the area involving the tumor so that it could be removed and traced to all of its edges. Since then, the procedure has been refined. Today, almost all cases are treated by the fresh tissue technique which omits the caustic chemical and allows dermatologists to remove all the layers of tumor in one day. Mohs micrographic surgery is a technique that allows dermatologists to selectively remove areas involved with skin cancer, while at the same time preserving the greatest amount of normal tissue as possible. If surgical repair of the wound created from the procedure is necessary, it can be done knowing that all the tumor has been removed. As a result, Mohs micrographic surgery is very useful for large tumors, tumors with indistinct borders, tumors near a vital cosmetic or functional structure (eye, nose, ear, mouth) and tumors for which other therapies have failed.
What Will Happen At My First Visit?
The first visit allows the doctor the opportunity to examine your skin cancer, obtain your medical history and determine whether the technique of Mohs surgery is the most appropriate treatment for you. It also gives you a chance to meet the doctors and staff and learn about the procedure. Your day of surgery will be explained to you in detail and the surgeon will answer all of your questions.
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