an advanced technique

Micrographic Surgery and Skin Cancer

Submitted by Doug Leone, MD, and Adrienne Schupbach, MD, Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute
kin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and it is increasing significantly, to the point where many people have declared the increase an epidemic. Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in fair skinned people over 50 who spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell, which usually form on the sun-exposed parts of the body like the face, neck, head, and ears. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, but it is less common. Basal cell carcinoma can invade and destroy nearby tissue, which is why it is important to detect and remove these lesions as soon as possible. The traditional method involves cutting away the tumor along with a margin of normal appearing skin around it to ensure complete removal of the cancer and to reduce the risk of recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is an advanced surgical technique to treat skin cancer. Individual layers of cancer tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until all cancer tissue has been removed. This type of surgery removes as little normal tissue as possible and is especially recommended for skin cancer on the face. The advantage of MMS is that it ensures complete removal of all can-

cer cells and spares surrounding normal skin tissue. This is important because it minimizes the size of the defect, allowing for less complex and more successful aesthetic reconstruction. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds is the most significant cause for all skin cancers, but there are also other causes, which is why skin cancer may be found in places on the body never exposed to the sun. Any change in the appearance of the skin, including moles, a sore that doesnt heal, or a patch of skin that changes color should be checked out immediately by a doctor. When skin cancer is found early, it is very treatable. For more information, you may contact the Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Institute at 309-451-DERM (3376), www.exceptionalskin1. com. Dr. Leone and Dr. Schupbach are local board-certified dermatologists, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, including the treatment of skin cancer, moles, acne, rashes, warts, and all skin disorders. Dr. Leone is one of the few Mohs-trained surgeons in the area. Their new practice, located at 3024 E. Empire St., 2nd floor, in Bloomington, opens June 1, 2013. They are scheduling appointments now with immediate availability.

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June 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 23

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