Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells
Contour Dermatology diagnosed more than 2,000 skin cancers last year and approximately 100 cases of malignant melanoma. The importance of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day cannot be overemphasized. Lengthy time spent outdoors requires taking even greater precautions. Diligence also needs to extend to performing regular self-examinations of the skin and scheduling a yearly routine dermatologist visit. These critical steps increase the chances of detecting skin cancer early, before treatment becomes more challenging.
The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
What to Look For:
Spot Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. However, this very typical form of cancer can also occur on other areas not exposed to sunlight.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in more than 2 million people. It’s a sobering statistic but one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
You can protect yourself from the risk of skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The best advice is to schedule a regular total body skin check with Contour Dermatology. We look for suspicious changes in your skin and detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Dr. Jochen and the Contour Dermatology Team take time to listen to your needs and provide for the best care.
Early detection is the greatest defense and makes for a successful skin cancer treatment.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery differs from other skin cancer treatments in that it permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue.
Dr. Jochen is certified in Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Castle Connolly/Palm Springs Life Top Doctor
Gentle Cure Image-Guided Superficial Radiotherapy - An Alternative to Surgery for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
GentleCure IGSRT utilizes low-energy x-rays to target and destroy cancer cells in superficial skin layers. The precision of image-guidance ensures the healthy surrounding tissues remain unaffected, preserving the integrity and appearance of the skin.
Ideal for patients seeking a non-invasive alternative for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in sensitive areas like the face, neck, and legs.
Dr. Timothy Jochen speaks with Jenifer Daniels of CBS Local 2 about Skin Cancer
