The Surgery Center at Plano Dermatology
(972) 378-0620
Skin cancer advanced diagnostics and treatment options
In this time of precision medicine, with treatment advances evolving on a regular basis, treating cancer requires truly personalized care, delivered by our experts in Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Skin Cancer
Taking care of skin cancer, one layer at a time.
This surgery is used to treat skin cancer and has a unique advantage. During this surgery, the surgeon can see where the cancer stops by examining tissue under a microscope for cancer cells. This isn’t possible with other types of treatment for skin cancer.
The ability to see where the cancer stops gives Mohs Surgery a high cure rate. Mohs Surgery also allows you to keep as much healthy skin as possible because the surgeon will remove the least amount of skin needed to treat the cancer.
Surgery is recommended when skin cancer is: rare, aggressive, large in size, in an area with little tissue beneath, or was treated previously and has now returned. In addition, Mohs Surgery is preferred for patients who have only one type of skin cancer or those with a few that are close to each other.
During Mohs Micrographic surgery, patients remain awake and alert. This means Mohs can safely be performed in a medical office or surgical suite. Only if surgery is extensive, patient will be admitted to a hospital for a procedure.
SKIN CANCER TREATMENTS
Atypical Fibroxanthoma (AFX)
AFX occurs most commonly in older people after the skin (scalp, face, ears and upper limbs) has been damaged significantly by sun exposure or therapeutic radiation.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Risk factors - exposure to ultraviolet light, tanning beds, having lighter skin, radiation therapy, long-term exposure to arsenic, and poor immune-system function.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)
DFSP is a rare and a slow growing tumor and is usually found on the torso but can also be found on the arms, legs, head and neck.
Extramammary Pagets Disease (EMP)
A rare and slow-growing malignancy affecting regions that are rich in apocrine secretions (vulva, perianal areas at the male genitalia).
Melanoma / Malignant Melanoma (MM)
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body when the pigment-producing cells that giving color to the skin become cancerous.
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma (MAC)
Develops in sweat gland ducts in the middle of the face, head or neck after unprotected sun exposure or radiation therapy.
Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC)
Develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layer of the skin from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (sunlight, tanning beds, lamps, etc).
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Rare and highly aggressive skin cancer caused by the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV), ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure, or weakened immune function.
COSMETIC PROCEDURES
“We are committed to providing world-class care in a safe and comfortable environment. Dr. Hollabaugh, Dr. Parry, and Dr. Modi are each board certified and fellowship trained in the surgical treatment of skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions. This includes Mohs micrographic surgery, reconstructive surgery, mole and cyst removal, nail procedures, as well as the treatment of melanoma and other high-risk skin cancers.”
Sun Protection Tips
The principal cause of skin cancer is almost universally accepted by medical experts to be overexposure to sunlight.