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Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment in Michigan
Most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with skin cancer, or have had a skin cancer diagnosis ourselves. It is the most common of all cancers, with more than one million new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. At Ann Arbor Dermatology, we take skin cancer in all of its forms very seriously, and specialize in the detection and treatment of this disease. Dr. Albert C. Cattell offers skin cancer screening in Michigan at his Ann Arbor and Plymouth offices, as well as advanced treatments including Mohs micrographic surgery.
Those most at risk for skin cancer are fair-skinned people who tend to burn easily. If you have a family history of skin cancer, or sunbathe or use tanning devices regularly, your risk is also increased. The more you know about preventing, recognizing and treating skin cancer, the more likely you are to keep your healthy skin. That is why, at Ann Arbor Dermatology, we take the time to educate all of our patients about all aspects of skin cancer.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Actinic Keratoses are pre-cancerous spots that are generally caused by significant sun exposure. They are small, rough patches often found on the face, ears, neck, forearms, scalp and backs of the hands in fair-skinned individuals. These are considered the earliest stage in the development of certain skin cancers, and some may progress to advanced stages without treatment.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, typically occurring on the head or neck of those with fair skin. It may appear as a red patch, a bump, or a nodule. Although it does not grow quickly and rarely spreads to other organs, if left untreated, it can cause nerve and tissue damage. If detected and treated early, BCC has an excellent cure rate.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, and is most typically seen in fair-skinned individuals. It may appear as a firm bump, or as a red, scaly patch, typically on the ridge of the ear, the face, or the trunk. SCC can grow and become invasive, with a risk of metastasis. However, early detection and treatment of this form of cancer results in a very high cure rate.
Malignant Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, resulting in the death of over 8,000 Americans every year. Although it is more prevalent in fair-skinned individuals and those with a family history, anyone can develop melanoma. It often appears as a mole or other dark spot on the skin, so it is important to be familiar with the location and appearance of existing moles or birthmarks. Early detection and treatment by a qualified skin cancer surgeon in Michigan greatly improves the cure rate.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer. Mohs surgery has been proven effective by combining the surgical removal of cancer with the immediate microscopic examination of the underlying diseased tissue. This process allows any dermatologist in the Detroit area trained in Mohs surgery to see beyond the visible disease to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor.
Of all treatment options for skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery:
- Offers the highest cure rate (up to 99%)
- Has the lowest rate of cancer recurrence
- Minimizes scarring
- Is the most exact and precise means of removal
The Mohs technique is often preferred when the site of the skin cancer is in an area where recurrence is likely, for large tumors and for certain aggressive types of skin cancer. This delicate balance of removing all of the cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible is achieved by alternating surgical and diagnostic steps. First, the visible tumor and a small layer of surrounding tissue is removed to search for any remaining cancer cells. Next, the tissue is marked, frozen, stained and placed on glass slides for microscopic exam. If additional cancer cells are identified under microscopic examination, the surgeon proceeds with the removal of another small layer of skin for evaluation. This process is repeated until no further cancer cells are located.
Mohs surgery is performed in the office, on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. In most cases, the wound is repaired the same day, following the completion of the Mohs surgery. However, in some cases, the patient is referred to a plastic surgeon for the repair.
Experience in this specialized Mohs procedure is one of the qualifications that distinguishes Dr. Cattell as a renowned skin cancer specialist in Michigan. He performs over 800 Mohs surgery cases each year and has performed more than 20,000 cases in his career as a Board Certified Dermatologist.
If you would like to learn more about skin cancer or Mohs surgery, request a consultation at Ann Arbor Dermatology. Or you can call our office at 734-996-8757 (Ann Arbor) or 734-455-6881 (Plymouth) and one of our knowledgeable staff members will be happy to assist you.
