Receiving a diagnosis of skin cancer can be frightening, but it’s critical to remember skin cancer has a high cure rate with early detection. Understanding your diagnosis and the treatment options available to you can help you become a more informed patient.  

Types of Skin Cancer

According to the American Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell. While these two cancers are typically benign, they can cause health problems if left untreated. 

Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are typically considered “low-risk” forms of cancer because the affected cells cluster in a contained area, which makes them easier to treat. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, accounts for only a fraction of skin cancer diagnoses, but the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed annually is on the rise. 

Understanding Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery, a highly specialized surgical technique, is the gold standard of skin cancer surgeries. Mohs surgery has proven successful at removing basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, and can sometimes also eradicate melanoma.

During Mohs surgery, Dr. Seth Matarasso systematically removes thin layers of cancer-containing skin and examines each one under a microscope until he can verify that only cancer-free tissue remains. Mohs surgery is also known as Mohs micrographic surgery and is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who pioneered the procedure in the 1930s.

In contrast to standard skin cancer surgery, which involves removing the visible cancer in addition to a small fringe of the surrounding healthy tissue, the goal of Mohs surgery is to affect the surrounding tissue as little as possible, while maximizing the amount of skin cancer that can be removed. 

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Though skin cancer is treatable, it also has a high recurrence rate. Mohs surgery allows Dr. Matarasso to confirm that he has successfully removed all the cancer cells, thus increasing the chances of a cure and decreasing the risk that the cancer will return and necessitate additional surgeries. 

Mohs surgery also requires a smaller wound, which means a faster healing time with less prominent scarring. This technique is precise enough to remove skin cancer in areas such as the face and hands, where most patients prefer to reserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs surgery is especially useful for skin cancers that:

• Have a high recurrence rate
• Are large or invasive
• Are located in sensitive areas
• Have ill-defined borders

Ultimately, Mohs surgery is the most effective and the most aesthetically desirable cure for skin cancer. It is also more affordable than other techniques because most patients only require a single surgery to remove the tumor completely.

What to Expect During Mohs Surgery

In most cases, Mohs surgery only takes a few hours. However, Dr. Matarasso may advise you to clear your schedule for the entire day, since it can often be challenging to assess how extensive a tumor is by looking at it on the surface level. It’s normal to have some waiting time during your surgery, so bring a book or some other form of entertainment to pass the time.

Mohs surgery takes place on an outpatient basis. Dr. Matarasso will use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you do not feel any pain during the procedure. Then, during the surgery, Dr. Matarasso will systematically remove the cancerous tissue layer by layer, stopping between each layer to analyze the tissue under a microscope. If this analysis determines there is additional cancer to remove, your surgery will continue until the final tissue sample removed is cancer-free. 

How to Find a Qualified Mohs Surgeon

Mohs surgery is demanding from a technical standpoint, so it’s important to find a surgeon with plenty of experience in this procedure. As part of his training, Bay Area dermatologist Dr. Seth Matarasso completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco.

If you think you may have skin cancer, time is of the essence in ensuring you make a full recovery. Contact our office immediately to schedule a full-body examination and skin cancer screening. If Dr. Matarasso diagnoses you with skin cancer and determines you are a good candidate for the innovative Mohs surgery, we will discuss your next steps for eradicating your cancer and helping ensure your peace of mind.

What Is a Mole?

Moles are very common in adults. Most adults have at least a few, but many have more. Some are present at birth (called congenital nevi), but often they develop during childhood and adolescence. Moles can darken during pregnancy or from sun exposure. New moles as an adult are not common.

Moles occur when a type of cell known as a melanocyte grows in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. Melanocytes are a type of cell that produce the pigment in the skin. They are also the type of cell that can develop melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma isn’t exclusive to moles however; it can develop anywhere on the skin and even in the eyes, digestive tract, etc. Most moles will never develop cancer.

At Home Mole Checks: What You Need to Know

You are more familiar with your skin than anyone else which puts you in a good position to watch for melanoma. You should perform regular checks on your skin. Look for changes (new moles, changes to existing ones, etc.) and come see Dr. Matarasso if you spot anything concerning. Many melanomas have irregular characteristics. To remember what to look for, use the ABCDE rule.

1. Asymmetry: Look for moles where one side doesn’t match the other.
2. Border: Ragged edges, notches, and blurred outlines need a second look by a doctor.
3. Color: Moles can be many colors (black, brown, tan, gray, white, red, blue, etc.), but they are typically only one single color. Uneven or multiple colors warrant a visit to Dr. Matarasso.
4. Diameter: Most melanomas are larger than 6 mm (about ¼ inch wide).
5. Evolving: If you spot changes, come on in.

Melanomas can vary greatly in their appearance. Some have all the characteristics of a problem mole, while others have only a feature or two on the list. Other things to watch for include bleeding or itching. If you’re concerned, come see us. Dr. Matarasso can help you determine if a mole needs removal and testing. Melanoma is curable if caught early.

Professional Skin Cancer Checks

At home checks are important, but so are regular checks by a dermatologist. Come see Dr. Matarasso at least once a year for a skin cancer detection appointment, sooner if you find anything concerning during your home checks.

If Dr. Matarasso is concerned, he can remove a problem mole using Mohs surgery, a special type of skin cancer removal surgery that carefully removes all traces of cancer in a single surgery.

2^nd Most Common Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma is the 2^nd most common skin cancer with 700,000 thousand cases being diagnosed each year.

UV Exposure Increases Your Risk

One of the main causes of squamous cell carcinoma is high levels of UV exposure over a lifetime. Cover up when you head outside and wear sunscreen to reduce your risk.

Tanning Beds Aren’t a Safe Choice

Tanning beds can substantially increase your risk for squamous cell carcinoma. Those that tan are 2..5 times more likely to develop an SCC than those that don’t. Sunless tanners and bronzers are a better choice for that sun kissed look.

More Common in Men

Squamous cell carcinoma is twice as common in men than in women.

SCC Most Common on Sun Exposed Skin

Although squamous cell carcinoma can be found anywhere on the body, it is most common on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun like the ears, lips and face. Bald scalps are also a common location for this type of cancer.

What do SCCs Look Like?

Squamous Cell Carcinomas often look like raised, scaly bumps, open sores, growths or warts. They may bleed or crust over. Come in for a visit if you notice any strange sores or bumps, especially if they don’t heal normally after a couple of weeks.

SCC Can Be Deadly

Many people mistakenly believe that melanoma is the only deadly skin cancer. This is not true. Squamous cell carcinoma can be deadly if it isn’t treated. Each year there are approximately 2,500 deaths from this cancer.

Highly Treatable if Caught Early

Early detection is key with SCC. This cancer is very treatable; come in any time you are concerned for a quick check.

Common Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Is it squamous cell carcinoma? These common signs and symptoms deserve a trip to the doctor: rapid growth, raised scaly bump, sore that won’t heal, or wart-like growth that bleeds or crusts.

Older People at a Higher Risk

SCCs are rarely found in people under the age of 50. They are even more common after 70.

SCC Can Develop on Injuries and Scars

Previous injuries are a common site for SCCs. They often arise on scars, burns, previous injuries, and areas that have been exposed to certain chemicals.

Now that you know more about this potentially deadly cancer, come in for a skin cancer detection appointment and make sure you aren’t at risk.

Do you think only blonds or redheads can get skin cancer? Think again. Every race, even those with dark skin, can get skin cancer. Many people mistakenly think they are immune from this disease and don’t take the proper steps to prevent it. A recent study found that more than 3 out of 4 Hispanics weren’t regularly looking for signs of skin cancer. Whatever your race, self-examination for skin cancer signs can help you find problems early on. Paired with skin cancer detection from a knowledgeable dermatologist, this can be a valuable step for skin cancer prevention and detection.

Early Detection

Looking for the signs of skin cancer is important, but what should you be looking for? Schedule a skin cancer detection appointment immediately if you notice:

• Changes in the Skin
• Abnormal Moles or Dark Spots
• Sores that Won’t Heal

The Skin Cancer Foundation has created a helpful step by step guide for performing a skin cancer self-examination.

Preventing Skin Cancer

Early detection is important, but so is skin cancer prevention. Dr. Matarasso has the following tips for reducing your skin cancer risk:

• Avoid the Sun During Peak UV Hours- Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm if possible. If you must be outside, cover-up or wear sunscreen.
• Avoid Sun Burns- Avoid sun burns and use sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Make sure to apply sunscreen over your whole body. Don’t forget your ears! Reapply every two hours.
• Use the Right Sunscreen- When choosing a sunscreen make sure you choose one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Matarasso recommends SPF 15 as a minimum; higher SPFs offer more sun protection.

Other Important Steps

In addition to doing all you can do to prevent and detect skin cancer, you can also enlist the help of an expert. Dr. Matarasso offers skin cancer detection appointments. A full body exam is performed and any problem areas are biopsied and tested. While self-examination is important, a professional exam is too. An expert eye may be able to notice problems you’ve missed. This is also a great opportunity to discuss steps for skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer is highly treatable if found early. Protect yourself and extend your life by taking the proper steps to prevent skin cancer. A little prevention can save you from a lot of pain and suffering down the road.

Contact us today to schedule your skin cancer detection appointment.

Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is an easy way to reduce your risk for skin cancer. Dr. Matarasso recommends wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Make sure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You should wear sunscreen even when you don’t think you’ll get burnt; UV rays are present even when it’s cloudy outside.

As you apply sunscreen make sure to protect commonly forgotten areas like the top of your ears. Any skin that is frequently exposed to the sun is at an increased risk for skin cancer.

Avoid the Sun

In addition to using sunscreen try to stay out of the sun during peak hours. In general it is recommended that you avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm when possible. In addition you should avoid artificial UV rays like those found in tanning booths as these can also increase your skin cancer risk.

Know the Risk Factors

Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is most common in those with risk factors. Some of these include:

• Fair skin
• A family history of skin cancer
• Being over 40 years of age
• Overexposure to the sun

Get Checked

Regularly checking for the signs of skin cancer can help you to notice problems early on when treatment is the easiest and recovery rates are the best. Dr. Matarasso recommends that you check yourself at least once a month looking for any changes to the skin or problem areas. Even if you are careful about your sun exposure it is important to catch skin cancer early. Look for any areas that refuse to heal, bleed easily, are consistently itchy or look different than other moles and spots. Note any changes in the appearance of moles or spots. New spots are also a cause for concern. If you see anything that concerns you contact our offices for a skin cancer detection appointment.

Early Treatment

If you do have skin cancer early detection and treatment are important. Many types of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) are most easily treated during the early stages. Since melanoma cancer can easily spread it is essential to diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

Skin cancer is a highly treatable condition with early detection and in many cases can be avoided with a little prevention.