A diagnosis of skin cancer is very frightening for any patient. Dermatologists learn this very quickly during their clinical careers. Regardless of where skin cancer develops, how big it is, or what type it is, patients understandably feel scared and stressed. Naturally, they will look to their doctor for answers. More than anything, what patients […]
We can always benefit from the occasional reminder that sunlight can cause serious dermatologic issues. At the very least, exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight (and tanning beds) breaks down collagen fibers in the skin. Collagen is what keeps the skin firm and plump. Collagen heals injuries, including discoloration and broken blood vessels. Without […]
We’re at that time of year when folks generally like to get out and play in the sunshine. This year, that may be more pronounced than ever with the closing and reopening that have occurred in recent months. As we venture into the outdoors, we must remember not to fall for ideas about tanning that […]
Skin cancer has become a prevalent condition in our country, affecting approximately 1 in 5 people today. Seeing that most cases of skin cancer are preventable, we find this statistic unacceptable. Part of our intent at the American Society for Mohs Surgery is to decrease the instances of extensive damage caused by various types of […]
For years, medicine had little awareness of the dangers of sun exposure. Once it was discovered that suntanning and sunburn were major factors in instances of skin cancer, we began hearing about it. We’ve heard for so long that it is unhealthy to spend time in the sun that we are now seeing a prevalence […]
Though there are several types of skin cancer, many people only know of the general term itself. The varying forms are lumped into one, at least as far as communication goes. To the medical professional, general terms are inadequate. Specificity is necessary if we are to understand, prevent, and appropriately treat each type of carcinoma […]
One of Walt Whitman’s most quoted poems says “keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.” Beautiful as these words are, they are not meant to be taken literally. Keeping your face toward the sun is a prime way to invite skin cancer. Dermatologists most commonly diagnose skin cancer […]
When discussing the matter of skin cancer, we don’t often make the connection between this serious disease and the body’s natural immune response. Immunity is supposed to help ward off infections and colds, right? Yes. That and more. According to a recent study published in Cancer Research, it is more likely that melanoma would cause […]
Skin cancer is our business. For any dermatologist, the subject of skin cancer is relatively commonplace. For the average person, however, not so much. We don’t have to look very far to find evidence of the fact that awareness is something to be gained in the skin cancer arena. Here, we share why doctors and […]
Dermoscopy offers physicians a low-cost diagnostic technique that aids in the early detection of skin cancers, including melanoma. However, the use of dermoscopy requires specialized training and experience, which not all dermatologists seek. According to statistics, there are parts of the country that are grossly underserved due to the localization of dermoscopic training primarily at […]