Did you know, over the past three decades, more peope have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined? While you likely won’t die from the most common form of skin cancer, it can have a huge impact on your quality of life and can lead to disfigurement of your skin if left untreated. Early detection and treatment can results in extremely high cure rates with minimal cosmetic impact.
The following are 5 signs/symptoms that can indicate you have skin cancer:
- Your lesion is changing. Change is one of the most important indicators of concern for a skin lesion. When these changes occur over a period of weeks to months, it should be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist.
- Your lesion is new. A new spot, especially one that looks different from other spots on your body should be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist.
- Your lesion is bleeding. If your spot bleeds with no or minimal trauma, this may require evaluation by a board certified dermatologist.
- Your lesion is tender. If your spot is tender or painful, especially if this happens suddenly, it should be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist.
- Your lesion has multiple colors. Melanoma is often characterized by lesions that have multiple shades of brown, and sometimes even black, blue, red and white.
The three most common types of skin cancer are:
If caught early, all of these types of skin cancer are treatable.Mohs surgery is the single most effective and best technique for removing BCCs and SCCs, the two most common skin cancers, with a cure rate of 98-99%. Mohs surgery can also be used to treat some melanomas. Mohs surgery is also the best method for tissue sparing (removing the entire cancer with minimal removal of normal skin).
About the Author:
Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is a fellowship trained Mohs and Reconstructive Surgeon and is a member of the American College of Mohs surgery. Dr. Ibrahimi completed his dermatology training at Harvard Medical School and did his fellowship in Mohs and Reconstructive Surgery at University of California- Davis. He specializes in the reconstruction of difficult skin cancer cases, has published numerous articles on skin cancer reconstructive surgery and has lectured to other Mohs surgeons and dermatologists about Mohs and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Omar Ibrahimi is highly regarded by both patients and other physicians alike for his reconstructive abilities. He has been the go to Mohs surgeon for other physicians, their spouses, and prominent citizens of Fairfield County and beyond. His fellowship training in Californias Sacramento Valley has prepared him to handle the most difficult of skin cancer cases beyond those typically encountered in the New York Metro and New England area. The success and cosmetic outcome of the procedure is highly dependent on the skill of the surgeon you select. Our representative before and after pictures from Mohs and Reconstructive surgery performed by Dr. Omar Ibrahimi are available in our Before & After gallery.(WARNING: can be graphic)Our entire office is focused on excellence and providing the highest level of care possible for patients requiring Mohs surgery. In this era of cost conscious healthcare where many patients have large deductibles and have to pay a portion of their bill, it is important to note that Dr. Omar Ibrahimi performs his surgeries in an outpatient setting, leading to a far lower overall cost than if this procedure was done at an academic center or hospital that has a facility charge.