Actinic Keratosis
An Actinic Keratosis is a scaly or crusty lesion that can sometimes go unnoticed. More than ten million Americans have Actinic Keratoses, making it the most common pre-cancer. Individuals who have a fair complexion and spend time in the sun are at a greater risk for developing Actinic Keratoses. If left untreated, an Actinic Keratosis can lead to a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Approximately ten percent of Actinic Keratoses advance to Squamous Cell Carcinomas, and approximately forty to sixty percent of Squamous Cell Carcinomas begin as an untreated Actinic Keratosis. Once an Actinic Keratosis is identified, there are many treatment options, including topical medications and electrodessication. Dr. Green will determine the severity of the Actinic Keratoses and choose the best method of treatment for your skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer with 700,000 new cases diagnosed each year. People who have a fair skin tone or who are out in the sun for long periods of the day have a higher chance of developing Squamous Cell Carcinoma during their lifetime. Recurrent use of tanning beds also puts one at risk to develop Squamous Cell Carcinoma; individuals that use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop Squamous Cell Carcinoma than individuals that don’t use tanning beds. Various pre-cancers or pre-cancerous growths, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), may evolve into Squamous Cell Carcinoma. If left untreated, Squamous Cell Carcinoma may spread to other organs and become deadly. Approximately 2,500 deaths a year are caused by untreated Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Early detection is important, and once identified, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is treatable. Dr. Green uses various methods to treat Squamous Cell Carcinomas including excisional surgery, electrodessication and Moh’s surgery.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer that affects approximately two million people each year. The majority of cases of Basal Cell Carcinoma occur on areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, neck, back or scalp. Even though Basal Cell Carcinoma rarely spreads to other organs it may harm surrounding tissue, which is why early detection and treatment are important. Early stages of Basal Cell Carcinoma are easily treated with various methods. When a Basal Cell Carcinoma is diagnosed by Dr. Green, treatment is either by excisional surgery, Moh’s surgery or electrodessication.
Moh’s Surgery
Moh’s surgery is one of the most popular ways to treat serious skin cancer. Moh’s surgery surgically removes carcinoma and minimizes the loss of healthy tissue. Once a layer of tissue is removed, it is examined under a microscope to determine whether or not cancerous cells remain in the tissue. When none of the cancerous cells are present, the procedure is over and the wound is closed. If there are still cancerous cells in the tissue sample, more tissue is removed and this will continue until the cancerous cells are no longer evident.
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