Skin cancer is the number one cancer in America today, affecting 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to 65 years or older. While reducing the risk of skin cancer is as simple as wearing protective clothing and sunscreen on a daily basis, most people are not aware of how harmful UVA and UVB rays can be to their skin and overall health.
If you or someone you love is diagnosed, the first and foremost concern is how to effectively remove the cancer with the best chance of a cure. At Nashville Skin, our board-certified dermatologists and dermatopathologist have extensive training and experience using the latest advanced treatments for skin cancer, including Mohs surgery, which is one of the most effective ways of eliminating certain types of skin cancer. Nashville Skin is proud to offer comprehensive skin cancer care and treatment, from annual skin exams to expert treatment at our fully accredited Mohs surgery lab on site.
Compassionate Skin Cancer Care in Nashville
What is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is an innovative skin cancer treatment that has been recognized for having the highest reported cure rate. Developed in the 1930’s, Dr. Frederic Mohs set out to develop a technique that would remove all cancer cells with as little scarring as possible while also minimizing the risk of recurrence.
What sets the Mohs technique apart from other treatments is that it allows for immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissues. This ensures that all of the cancer cells are eliminated without removing healthy tissue, giving patients an excellent chance at a cure.
During the procedure, the skin is examined under a microscope, layer by layer. Throughout the examination, our doctors will identify the cancerous cells and remove them. Mohs surgery is more precise than other skin cancer techniques and allows for more healthy tissue to be spared than other treatment options, which reduces the amount of scarring a patient will experience.
To determine if Mohs surgery is right for you, it’s important to have an evaluation with one of our board-certified dermatologists at Nashville Skin to determine if this technique will give you the best long-term outcome. Our fully accredited Mohs lab and dermatopathologist set us apart as the most comprehensive dermatology center in Tennessee. Contact us to schedule an annual skin exam or cancer consultation.
The 2 Most Common Types of Non Melanoma Skin Cancer
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer and is considered the least dangerous because it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as an irregularly shaped sore or bump that can sometimes have a crust or even bleed. If detected early, this type of skin cancer has a great chance of being successfully treated.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, which, if left untreated, can spread to other areas of the body like the internal organs. Squamous cell carcinoma most often develops on the face and appears like rough scaly patches and bumps. Â Early detection and treatment with techniques are key for successfully eradicating squamous cell carcinoma.
These types of skin cancer may also have certain characteristics that would make Mohs surgery a good option for successful treatment. These factors include:
- Cancers located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas, for example around the eyes, ears, nose, lips, scalp, hands, fingers, toes, and genitals.
- The cancer covers a large area
- Cancerous lesion does not have clearly defined edges or borders
- Grows rapidly or uncontrollably
- Is an aggressive subtype
Learn more about how to prevent skin cancer and other tips at SkinCancer.org.
How Can Nashville Skin Help?
If you have received a skin cancer diagnosis or need an annual evaluation for suspicious moles or sores, contact us today at one of our convenient locations (21st Ave S/Green Hills area, Southern Hills, Centennial or TriStar Medical Plaza) or our Clarksville office to schedule a formal evaluation with one of our compassionate dermatologists. Early detection and treatment with state-of-the-art techniques, like Mohs surgery, are essential for successful, long-term outcomes.