Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three major types of skin cancers. There are also other unusual types of skin cancers such as Merkel cell tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans. Most skin cancers start off as precancerous lesions, which could later on lead to skin cancer. Moles or abnormal moles known as nevus or dysplastic nevi, and actinic keratosis, which are usually red or brown rough patches on the skin, among others are the common forms from which skin cancer originates.
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinoma are malignant types of skin cancers, which are said to be unlikely to spread out. However, there’s also an aggressive and fatal type of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma.
The treatment of skin cancers, whether they are aggressive or not, is a must, especially in the early stage of diagnosis. One of the techniques used to remove skin cancer is Mohs microscopic surgery (MMS). This procedure requires both pathology and surgery, the process involving precise microscopic control of the margins through dyed frozen-section of histology that indicates the tumor map. Layers and layers of skin tissues are removed throughout the process until there’s no more skin cancer visible microscopically.
MMS is considered a special advancement in skin cancer treatment because the procedure thoroughly examines even the under-surface of the skin layer to check if all cancer cells have already been removed. This methodical approach prevents the recurrence of skin cancer.
MedScape.com shares recurrent BBCs or high-risk primary tumors with the following characteristics requiring MMS:
- Aggressive histologic growth pattern
- Location in anatomic sites at which conventional treatment modalities have a higher potential risk of recurrence
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- Location at anatomic sites that require tissue conservation for optimal reconstruction
Dr. Kenneth M. Reed of DermASAP can help people suffering from skin cancer. For more information on the facility’s services, visit www.dermasap.com.