Photos Courtesy of Dermatology Consultants
Living in the beautiful state of Minnesota, we’re lucky to experience all four seasons and the outdoor activities that come with them. From fishing on the lakes, hiking in our many parks, having fun in the snow, or taking a leisurely stroll in the neighborhood, we Minnesotans love to spend time outside. Any time you go outdoors, your skin is at risk of damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sun damage not only causes wrinkles and aging but greatly increases your chance of developing skin cancers—including potentially fatal melanoma.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Our love of the great outdoors can put us at an increased risk for skin cancer, which is why it is essential to protect ourselves and schedule regular skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist.
Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and reapplying throughout the day, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade when the sun is strongest, and wearing UV-protected sunglasses are all simple yet effective measures to lower skin cancer risk. Schedule a skin cancer screening with a board-certified dermatologist who will examine your skin for suspicious lesions. Be on the look out for changing lesions, fast growing or painful growths, or areas that seem to heal but then keep scabbing or breaking down.
Early intervention is key to detecting and successfully treating skin cancer. Mohs surgery plays a vital role in the treatment of skin cancer. The Mohs procedure is a highly specialized surgical technique, named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, used to treat certain types of skin cancer. With the Mohs procedure, the skin cancer is completely removed while as much healthy tissue as possible is preserved.
Mohs procedure
The Mohs procedure is very effective in treating skin cancer and is often used for cancers on the face. It involves removing a layer of skin containing the tumor and examining it under a microscope. If cancer cells are seen then another layer is removed and inspected until no cancer cells are left. This detailed process ensures the cancer is completely gone.
It’s important to clear up myths about Mohs surgery and reassure those who may be worried. The Mohs procedure is performed by highly trained surgeons and is an incredibly safe in-office procedure. The Mohs surgeons at Dermatology Consultants have completed extensive training, are board-certified in Mohs Surgery, and have specialized skills in removing cancers and reconstructing the skin after cancer removal.
Our goal is to remove all the cancer and then repair the wound using plastic surgery techniques to give the best healing possible. Our skin health matters. Simple preventative measures and regular screenings can keep us healthy while enjoying time outside in every season. Keep yourself informed, protect your skin, and stay safe!
