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Phone: (404) 256-4457 Toll-Free: (800) 233-0706
Administrative Office hours:  Mon. -Thurs. at 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
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Doctors’ hours will differ from Administrative Office hours, please call for Doctors’ hours.
The Medical Quarters
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Suite 190
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 256-4457 Toll-Free: (800) 233-0706
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Skin Cancer

Skin Condition of the Month: Causes & Treatments for Skin Discoloration

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female-checks-face-in-mirrorWelcome back to the latest entry in our Skin Condition of the Month series for August. With the summer mostly behind us, and many of us having enjoyed time in the sun over the last few months, we thought it would be appropriate to spotlight skin discoloration this month. Skin discoloration is a broad term that can refer to any change in your skin that differs from your natural skin tone. Skin discoloration is not always a cause for concern, but it is something that many people don’t always understand. That’s why our board-certified dermatology providers wanted to get more in-depth on the subject.

Potential Causes of Skin Discoloration:

In some cases, a skin discoloration can include something harmless like a birthmark. However, it can also be a sign of an autoimmune disease, pigmentation issues like melasma, age spots from too much time in the sun, or even potentially serious issues like skin cancer.

Treatment Options for Skin Discoloration:

Not all skin discolorations can be treated, however, many of them can. The first step in treating skin discoloration is detecting the specific cause of the issue. This is done by examining areas of skin discoloration and having a discussion about any changes you’ve noticed, as well as if you’re experiencing any other symptoms. In some cases, additional testing including blood work or a skin biopsy may be performed to determine the cause of skin discoloration.

Once a diagnosis has been made, we have had success with the following skin discoloration treatments:

  • Cosmetic laser treatments for brown spots and redness
  • Chemical peels for pigmentation issues
  • Prescription medications including topical creams

Getting Expert Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta:

It’s very important to keep tabs on any new discolorations or growths on your skin and bring them up during all appointments in our office. The sooner that a skin issue is properly diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated. If you have any concerns about skin discoloration or any other issues related to your skin, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips, practice updates, and much more.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Top Questions to Ask When You Receive a Skin Cancer Diagnosis

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Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery QuestionsYou’ve heard it millions of times – never leave your house without applying sunscreen. This is the number one tip that any dermatologist will give a patient as a first line of defense against skin cancer. However, this blog isn’t about sunscreen. You can be the most vigilant person, dedicated to your sunscreen routine, and still receive the dreaded skin cancer diagnosis.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States today and it is broken down into three different types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. On average, more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, as reported by the American Cancer Society. If you have recently received a skin cancer diagnosis, you probably have a lot of questions, and you may not be sure which questions you should ask. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we continuously focus on skin care from head to toe. So, this July, we wanted to equip you with some of the top questions you should ask after receiving a skin cancer diagnosis.

Biopsy Questions:

Biopsies are not always necessary to confirm skin cancer if you have an experienced dermatologist or physician’s assistant who has been diagnosing and treating skin cancer for a while. Biopsies are conducted to determine if a suspicious skin lesion is skin cancer. Your dermatology provider may need to remove a small sample of the affected area to examine under a microscope to confirm the presence of skin cancer upon examination. If your provider would like to perform a biopsy, the questions below can help clarify the process.

  • What will my biopsy entail?
  • Describe my scar from the biopsy?
  • How long will it take for me to get my biopsy results?

Diagnosis Questions:

If your biopsy confirms the presence of skin cancer, don’t panic. The American Academy of Dermatology has reported that basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common forms of skin cancer and are highly treatable when detected early on. Nonetheless, here are a few questions that may help you better understand your skin cancer diagnosis.

  • What type of skin cancer do I have?
  • How deep is the skin cancer, and can it spread to other parts of my body?
  • At what stage is the cancer?
  • Are there any other doctors or specialists that you recommend I see?

Treatment Questions:

Each type of skin cancer requires a specific treatment. After you receive your diagnosis, you will want to find out which treatment protocol will best address the skin cancer you have been diagnosed with. Asking your dermatology provider the questions below will help clarify the treatment process so that you will know what to expect during each stage.

  • What are my treatment options, and why is this particular treatment important for my specific type of skin cancer?
  • Will this treatment completely remove the cancer?
  • Is there another removal method that will leave a less severe scar?
  • Are there any side effects with this treatment, and if so, how can I manage them?
  • Will this treatment result in any downtime?

Post-Treatment Follow-up Questions:

After completing a treatment protocol, you will enter the post-treatment recovery phase. Post-treatment recovery encompasses more than just your recovery from treatment. It also includes prevention. This is a great time to ask your provider about any special safety precautions you will need going forward and discuss ways to prevent skin cancer from returning in the future.

  • How should I best care for my treatment area?
  • Is there a possibility that the skin cancer can return in the future?
  • How can I prevent the development of new skin cancer?
  • How often should I schedule cancer screenings?

Skin Cancer Treatments:

A skin cancer diagnosis can seem intimidating, but the good news is that many treatment options are available. The dermatologists and physician assistants at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta utilize a wide range of skin cancer treatment protocols to address each specific type of skin cancer and their symptoms such as:

Getting Expert Help at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

If you are beginning to notice new moles or skin growths, don’t wait to contact your dermatologist or physician assistant. Call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule your skin cancer screening and set your mind at ease. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information and tips about skin cancer.

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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta: Always Providing the Best for Our Patients

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smiling-femaleOur patients mean everything to us here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Whether we are performing a routine skin cancer exam, treatment of a chronic skin condition like psoriasis, or providing one of our award-winning cosmetic dermatology services, it’s always our goal to ensure that our patients are as happy as possible with the care that they receive every step of the way. This is why we are always so grateful whenever we receive a dermatology testimonial from one of our satisfied patients. Keep reading to see for yourself how we work hard to always provide the best for our patients and their skin care from head to toe:

Dr. D. Scott Karempelis

Dr. Karempelis is the best. I don’t even live in Atlanta anymore, but wish I did so that he was still my dermatologist. He is kind, smart, and has a great bedside manner.
•Linda S.

Dr. Joseph R. Payne

Such a friendly and welcoming staff. Dr. Payne is amazing and takes the time to actually listen and understand what I’m looking for and how to help me every single time I’ve been to see him. I have never felt rushed and his assistants are always friendly and warm. I would recommend Dr. Payne to anyone.
•Korey A.

Dr. Ashley R. Curtis

Dr. Curtis is wonderful! Hands down, she’s one of the best dermatologists in Atlanta. She’s attentive and caring and always solves whatever skin problem is at hand. I’ve sent my whole family to her. Her staff is caring and efficient and they get the job done! You never have to feel like you’re there all day and they always help get the patients in and out on time. Love this practice!
•Andrea K.

Delmer L. Henderson, PA-C

Del knows his stuff. I have been seeing him for a few years now and he has always been quick & accurate!
•Maureen K.

Mara P. Grosswald, PA-C

Dr. Mara Grosswald and the whole staff are extremely personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. The energy, genuine care, and generosity exudes through the office. In terms of care, their objective is always the patient’s happiness and I love that. Thank you!
•Justin H.

Danna D. Calder, PA-C

My experience was perfect. I was seen on time. The waiting area was very clean and spacious. The staff was friendly from start to finish. Danna Calder is a wonderful and talented PA and she is definitely the one to request!
•Paula H.

Before we go, we wanted to thank all of our incredible patients who took the time to leave us such kind reviews. It means so much to our practice to know that our care is really making a difference. For more information or to schedule a dermatology appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists or physician assistant, or our newest certified physician assistant Ines Karempelis, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for even more patient stories, skin care tips, and much more.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Moles

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How to Treat Skin CancerChances are you have at least one mole on your body. Most people refer to them as a beauty mark. While moles are a very common skin condition, it is important to know the different types of moles that can be present on our bodies and what to look for in an abnormal mole. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we believe educating our patients is the first step to proper skin care. So, this December, we are highlighting moles as our skin condition of the month.

What are Moles?

Moles are a common skin growth that occurs on many adults. While moles are generally harmless, a few types can increase your risk of melanoma. Below are the most common types of moles:

Common Mole: Common moles are small pink, brown, or tan growths with a distinct edge.

Atypical Moles: Atypical moles are often larger than common moles, are oddly shaped, and have a ragged edge. Their color may vary, and they can sometimes appear to be flesh-colored.  It is possible for atypical moles to develop into melanoma, though this is rare.

Congenital Mole: Congenital moles occur at birth and affect roughly 1 in every 100 people. It is common for congenital moles to develop into melanoma, especially if the mole grows and reaches a diameter of more than 8 millimeters.

Spitz Nevus: Spitz nevus is dome-shaped moles that vary in color from pink and red to black and brown. While spitz nevus commonly resembles melanoma, they are often benign and develop early in life. This type of mole can often bleed, ooze, and itch.

Causes and Symptoms of Moles

Moles are comprised of cells that pigment your skin known as melanocytes. When these cells grow in clusters, moles develop. A common mole will appear on your skin as a small, round brown spot; however, this may not always be the case. Each type of mole has its own unique appearance, but there are some common symptoms among all moles which include:

  • Round with a distinct edge
  • Itching, bleeding or oozing
  • Varying in color (red, black, red, pink, or skin-toned)
  • Wrinkled, smooth, or raised

It is important to seek a skin exam if you discover moles on your body and to perform self-checks to monitor any changes in your moles. Self-checks help spot potential melanoma, and we recommend that patients follow the ABCDE guidelines to know what to look for:

– Asymmetry refers to a mole that isn’t consistent in size, shape, or color. One half of the mole will appear different from the other half.
– Borders refer to the mole’s shape and whether it has a defined border or is irregularly shaped.
– Color refers to a mole that either has multiple colors or has changed color.
– Diameter refers to a change in size or a mole that reaches a size larger than a pencil eraser.
– Evolving refers to changes in size, shape, color, or feeling, such as bleeding or itchiness.

How are Moles Treated?

While normal moles are harmless, there may be some instances where removal is necessary due to cancer or desired due to aesthetics. Mole removal can be completed during an appointment with your dermatological provider and typically only require one visit. There are a few ways to remove a mole including laser, surgical excision, or surgical shave. We will recommend the best option based on the type of mole you have. Regardless of which procedure is used, the removed mole will be examined and tested, if necessary, to determine whether cancer cells are present. It is vital that you do not attempt to remove moles at home, as this increases the risk of scarring and infection. Furthermore, if the mole is a melanoma, the cancer cells may remain in the skin, which is why the right dermatological treatment is so important.

Getting Expert Care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

While most moles may be harmless, it is important to have them examined by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant to know with certainty. Our board-certified dermatological providers have extensive experience treating and evaluating moles for potential melanoma. If you have concerns about your moles or notice any changes in their appearance, contact Dermatology Associated of Atlanta to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional skin care tips, practice updates, and much more.

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Provider of the Month: Dr. D. Scott Karempelis

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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is widely seen as one of the most respected dermatology practices in the area, providing outstanding skin care from head to toe and top-notch patient care. A large part of the reason for this reputation is our team of exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate skin care providers. To help you get to know them better, we’re highlighting one provider each month in our blog and newsletter. This July, our provider of the month is Dr. D. Scott Karempelis, or Dr. K as he’s known throughout the office.

Dr. K’s Extensive Background in Training and Education

Dr. K is an extremely well-trained and experienced physician and surgeon. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin before earning his MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He then completed an internship at LaCrosse Luther Hospital/Gunderson Clinic and a residency at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Dr. K officially became a board-certified dermatologist in 1985. In the years since his knowledge has only grown as he has continued to stay on top of the latest advancements in dermatology.

An Esteemed Leader at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

In 1986, Dr. K moved to Georgia from Wisconsin to team up with the founder of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, Dr. Edmond Griffin. As the first partner in the practice, he has been instrumental in growing Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to be the authority in skin, hair, and nail health that it is today.

One of Dr. K’s top specialties is laser therapy. In fact, he directed the launch and growth of our Laser Institute of Georgia, the first laser center of its kind to open in the area. He has grown this specialty center to be one of the largest in the Southeast with over 20 cutting-edge lasers. With lasers designed to treat skin cancer and other serious conditions along with cosmetic issues like wrinkles and unwanted tattoos, the Laser Institute of Georgia is a resource for Atlantans and Georgians.

Another important specialty in Dr. K’s career is Mohs skin cancer removal surgery. Not only has he been performing this highly precise and unique surgery for decades, but he has been teaching other physicians to perform it since the 1980s. As richly knowledgeable as Dr. K is in his top specialties, his skill is so broad that it would be difficult to find a skin condition he doesn’t diagnose and treat expertly.

Outside Dermatology

As much as Dr. K thrives on providing his patients with the most cutting-edge, customized care for their needs, he has plenty of fun outside of work too. You’re likely to find him water skiing or snow skiing depending on the season, and every fall he’s cheering on the UGA football team. He loves spending time with his wife and their family, including three sons and six grandkids.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. D. Scott Karempelis

If you’re interested in the care and expertise that Dr. K brings to the table, now is the time to book your appointment for your skin cancer screening, skin health exam, or cosmetic treatment. Contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule your appointment.

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Provider of the Month: Del Henderson, PA-C

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Our patients love Dermatology Associates of Atlanta for plenty of reasons, but at the core, it comes down to our team of skilled, experienced, and compassionate providers. To help our patients learn more about this outstanding team, we have proudly launched our Provider of the Month series. This month, we’re giving you the inside scoop on one of our longest-standing providers: board-certified physician assistant Del Henderson.

A Background of Military and Medical Training

Del Henderson, PA-C has an extensive background of education and advanced experience both in the medical community and in the armed forces. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Kansas State University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Oklahoma. He further advanced his training with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in Emergency Medicine from the University of Nebraska.

Prior to working for Dermatology Associates of Atlanta as a provider, Del led a proud career with the US Army. He served as a physician assistant, providing vital medical care to his fellow active-duty military members and their families, including administering emergency care for battlefield injuries. Del has won multiple military awards including an Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and more, and is honored to have served his country.

Del Henderson, PA-C’s Skin Care Specialties Today

Del has been a core provider at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta since 2001, so he has been serving our patients for over 20 years. His expansive training and experience allow Del to treat nearly any skin condition such as skin cancer, rashes, and more, and he has further specialized in cosmetic treatments as well. He is particularly skilled at CoolSculpting® and other body contouring treatments, as well as acne scar treatments. Del is highly experienced in the use of laser procedures to treat a variety of skin conditions and cosmetic issues.

Outside of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Providing outstanding skin care and helping his patients restore their confidence are important for Del, but of course, he has plenty of interests outside of the valuable work he does. In his spare time, he enjoys boating and golf, along with a variety of sports and athletics.

Schedule an Appointment with Del Henderson, PA-C

Board-certified physician assistant Del Henderson is an experienced and skilled dermatological healthcare provider who helps every patient feel comfortable, heard, and understood. If you have a skin health concern you’d like to discuss or if you’re considering cosmetic treatments, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta with Del today.

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Skin Condition of the Month: Skin Cancer

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skin cancerAt Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our mission is not only to provide comprehensive skin care from head to toe but also to educate our patients about caring for their skin and keeping it healthy. As part of this effort, we are shining the spotlight on one skin health condition each month, and this month, it’s all about skin cancer. While this condition can be serious, protecting yourself begins with learning about it.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which the DNA within certain cells in your body is damaged. This mutates the abnormal cells in a way that makes them grow out of control. When this damage and mutation occurs in skin cells, it is called skin cancer. Skin cancer has the potential to spread to other areas of your body and lead to serious or life-threatening complications, so early detection is critical.

Types of Skin Cancer

Your skin is made up of many types of cells, and there are different types of skin cancer depending on the specific type of skin cell where cancer begins. The three primary types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cell layer, which is the deepest layer of your epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the squamous cell layer, which is the layer just above your basal cells. Finally, melanoma skin cancer begins in melanocytes, the cells in your skin that produce pigment. Melanoma is the rarest of these three types of skin cancer, but it also has a higher tendency to spread to other areas of the body, so it has the highest risk of severe complications.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is caused by unrepaired damage to the DNA of your skin cells. This is most often the result of accumulated UV exposure due to sunlight or tanning lights. However, skin cancer can actually occur in areas that have minimal sun exposure too. It’s also important to keep in mind that while some people have a higher risk of skin cancer, such as people with light skin and light-colored eyes, anyone can develop skin cancer.

Signs of Skin Cancer

Most people know that irregular moles are potential signs of skin cancer. This includes any mole that is changing, is made up of multiple colors, is particularly large, has an uneven shape, or has other unusual characteristics. A helpful guide is the “ABCDEs of melanoma”: be on the lookout for moles that have asymmetry, irregular borders, abnormal coloring, a large diameter, or evolution over time. Skin cancer doesn’t only occur in moles, though. A skin cancer lesion can look like a raised and flesh-colored bump, a sore that isn’t healing, or a dry scaly patch, for example. A slightly rough-textured spot could also be a pre-cancerous lesion called actinic keratosis.

Ultimately, if there is any spot on your skin that has changed, you should have it examined for potential skin cancer. This is why it’s so important to have a skin cancer screening every year by a board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant, in addition to regularly examining your skin at home for any changes. If you have a history of skin cancer or other high-risk factors, you may need skin cancer screenings multiple times per year based on your provider’s recommendation.

Treatments for Skin Cancer

The good news with skin cancer is that most cases are highly treatable. In fact, there are many skin cancer treatment options available depending on the type, location, and other characteristics of your skin cancer. These treatments may include:

  • Photodynamic therapy, which uses a photosensitizer and a precise wavelength of light to target and damage cancer cells
  • Topical chemotherapy which you apply to your skin, usually for several weeks
  • Cryosurgery to “freeze off” cancerous cells
  • Laser therapy to target and damage cancer cells
  • Mohs skin cancer removal surgery is an advanced surgery that uses microscopic technology to remove the cancer lesion thoroughly while removing as little surrounding healthy tissue as possible. We are proud to have two experienced and skilled Mohs surgeons, Dr. D. Scott Karempelis and Dr. Joseph Payne, who can perform this surgery in our office.

If you are due for your annual skin cancer screening or if you have a spot on your skin you want to examine, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule your appointment. If you have a concerning spot, let us know and we will get you onto our schedule as quickly as possible. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more on our featured skin condition each month.

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4 Signs It’s Time for a Skin Cancer Screening

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How to Treat Skin CancerSkin cancer is a concern that most people are aware of in the back of their minds, but few people think about it on a regular basis or expect to be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lives. The fact is, though, that every year, about 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer according to the American Cancer Society. The only way to know if you may be one of them is to schedule a skin cancer screening with a qualified professional like a board-certified dermatologist or a physician assistant specializing in dermatology.

Is it time for you to get a skin cancer screening? Our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is here to help you find out whether you should schedule a screening with these five important signs.

It’s Been Too Long Since Your Last Screening

Skin cancer is incredibly common – a study in the Archives of Dermatology medical journal estimated that one in five Americans will get skin cancer at some point. This is why everyone needs regular skin cancer screenings.

For most people, the recommendation is to get a professional screening once per year, though people at high risk may need screenings more often. If it has been more than a year since your last screening or if it has been longer than your dermatologist recommended based on your last visit or your family history, it’s time to get a skin cancer screening on your schedule.

You’ve Noticed Changes in Your Skin

You know your skin better than anyone because you live in it every day. Generally, if you notice any unexpected changes in your skin, it’s a good idea to schedule a screening to check it out.

This includes changes to your moles, like a new mole, a mole that has begun to itch or bleed, a mole that has become painful, a mole that has changed colors, or other shifts. Skin cancer doesn’t only appear as a mole, though. Changes like a suspicious dry or scaly spot on your skin or a dome-shaped growth, for example, are signs that it’s time for a screening. Knowing the ABCDEs of melanoma and warning signs for other forms of cancer is critical in finding and treating skin cancer early.

You’ve Been Spending Time in the Sun

There are many factors that affect your skin cancer risk, but a major factor is your exposure to UV radiation, including sunlight as well as tanning lights. Your skin cells can accumulate small amounts of damage that add up over time, and this can gradually lead to skin cancer.

If you have had a significant amount of sun exposure in the past or since your last skin cancer screening, it’s a good idea to schedule a screening so that your provider can identify and evaluate any new damage that may have appeared. Remember that sun damage happens all year round, not just during the summer when you’re lounging by the pool or on the beach.

Someone in Your Family Has Been Diagnosed with Skin Cancer

Like any other medical condition, some people are more susceptible to skin cancer than others. In the case of skin cancer, that susceptibility tends to run in families. That’s why your dermatology provider will ask about any family history of skin cancer.

The tricky part is that you don’t know if your genes put you at a higher risk for skin cancer until a family member is diagnosed with the condition. If you have an immediate family member who is diagnosed with skin cancer, especially if their skin cancer is melanoma, it means that you are probably at a higher risk than you thought so you should schedule a screening.

Protecting Yourself from Serious Skin Cancers

Skin cancer is a condition that anyone can develop, and we all need to take daily steps to protect ourselves, such as wearing sunscreen every day and wearing sun-protective clothing including hats and sunglasses. Even with these steps, regular skin cancer screenings are critical because they can detect skin cancer lesions before they spread and lead to serious complications.

We have two doctors that perform this procedure, Dr. Scott Karempelis and Dr. Joseph Payne. To protect your skin today, call and schedule a skin cancer screening at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Our experienced providers can identify any areas of concern and, if necessary, we offer a variety of skin cancer removal treatments including Mohs surgery. We are proud to have multiple Mohs surgeons including one of the country’s first surgeons board-certified in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin health tips.

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Stubborn Skin Cancer: How Mohs Surgery May Help

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How to Treat Skin CancerCancer: the word that no one wants to hear from their doctor. Skin cancer tends to cause less concern than most other types of cancer because it’s slow-moving and has a low mortality rate, but it’s still a condition that can become very serious and it needs to be treated promptly and effectively.

Because there are several types of skin cancer and each case is unique, there are multiple treatment methods for skin cancer. They can range from simple topical medications to minimally invasive surgeries. One specialized treatment is a procedure called Mohs micrographic surgery.

If you have skin cancer, when might your dermatologist recommend Mohs surgery and why? Our Mohs surgeons and skin cancer specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta are weighing in.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a unique micrographic procedure for removing skin cancer. The aim is to remove all the cancerous tissue with great certainty but while removing as little healthy tissue as possible.

During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the cancerous lesion layer by layer. With each layer, they will examine the excision under a microscope using specialized dyes to see the cancerous cells. If there are cancerous cells at the border of the excision, it means there are more cancer cells they haven’t removed. In this case, your surgeon will remove another layer in that area. They will continue this process until they can confidently see that they have removed all the cancerous tissue.

What Types of Skin Cancer are Most Often Treated with Mohs Surgery?

There are three main types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Mohs surgery is primarily used for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

This is because those two types of skin cancer grow contiguously. This means that every cancer cell is attached to another cancer cell, so we can tell if we’ve removed all the cancerous cells by seeing whether there are cancerous cells on the microscope slide. That allows Mohs surgeons to reliably determine whether they have removed all the skin cancer cells.

Melanoma is more difficult to treat with Mohs surgery because it was only more recently when researchers developed dyes that would accurately show melanoma cancer cells. As a result, Mohs surgery is sometimes used to treat melanomas that are in the earliest stages, but even for these types of melanomas, other treatments may be a better fit for your treatment.

What Makes Mohs Surgery Ideal for Certain Skin Cancer?

There are several circumstances that may make Mohs skin cancer surgery the right choice for your treatment. For example, Mohs surgery is extremely thorough and precise. It may be recommended if you have skin cancer that has repeatedly returned or has not responded as well to other treatments.

Mohs surgery is also particularly helpful for skin cancers that are in highly visible areas like the face. The goal of Mohs surgery is not only to remove cancer as thoroughly as possible but also to do it while removing as little additional tissue as possible so it minimizes your post-surgical scarring. That is especially important for areas of skin that are highly visible.

How Do I Know if Mohs Skin Cancer Removal Surgery is Right for Me?

There are many factors that affect your skin cancer treatment and determine which treatments may be the best fit for you. Ultimately, a board-certified dermatologist with a lot of experience performing Mohs surgery needs to assess your condition and decide the best way to remove and treat your skin cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer and would like to discuss your treatment options or if you would like a skin cancer screening, call Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today to schedule your appointment. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more skin health tips.

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Are You at High Risk for Skin Cancer?

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Skin CancerEveryone is generally aware that skin cancer is something they should be concerned about, but skin cancer remains a highly underestimated problem. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is a current estimate that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Despite that alarming number, many people don’t realize how at-risk they are for skin cancer.

As with any medical condition, everyone has a different level of inherent risk for skin cancer. Your risk depends on your family history, your personal characteristics, your lifestyle habits, and more. How do you know if you have a high risk for skin cancer? Start by asking yourself these questions from our skin cancer treatment specialists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta.

What Are Your Physical Characteristics?

Certain aspects of your physical appearance could indicate that you have a higher skin cancer risk. Namely, these characteristics include a light skin color, blue eyes or green eyes, and blond hair or red hair. However, there is no race that is immune to developing skin cancer. You can also use the Fitzpatrick skin type scale to assess your skin type and your skin cancer risk. The Fitzpatrick scale categorizes your skin on a scale of 1-6 based on your ability to tan or burn to measure its vulnerability to the sun. The lower the number is the higher your risk for skin cancer.

How Does Your Skin React to Sun Exposure?

When your skin is exposed to the sun, how does it react? If your skin tends to burn easily, you have a heightened risk for skin cancer. The same is true if your skin freckles easily after sun exposure.

How Many Moles Do You Have and How Do They Look?

Everyone naturally has some moles. However, if you have a large number of moles, you are at a greater risk for skin cancer. You also have a higher risk for skin cancer if you have more than ten moles that are atypical. An atypical mole is a mole that looks unusual, such as a mole that is asymmetrical, has multiple colors within it or is an unusual color, has an irregularly shaped border, or is larger around than a pencil eraser.

What Is Your Family History?

Skin cancer tends to run in families. Has anyone in your immediate family been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past? If so, you have a higher risk for skin cancer as well. Don’t assume that you would know if someone in your family had skin cancer, as cancerous lesions are often removed quickly and easily, so it’s always best to ask.

What Is Your Medical History?

Unsurprisingly, if you have had skin cancer in the past, you are more likely to develop skin cancer in the future as well. However, fewer people realize that conditions that compromise your immune system can also raise your risk for skin cancer. For example, if you are taking immunosuppressant medications as a result of an organ transplant, you have a higher risk for skin cancer.

What Is Your Age?

Skin cancer typically develops as a result of sun damage that accumulates in your cells. Because of this, older individuals are at a higher risk for skin cancer because they have had more years with which to accumulate sun damage.

What Were Your Past Sun Exposure Habits?

As we noted, skin cancer generally develops due to years of repeated sun exposure. This means that your past and present sun exposure habits will impact your risk for skin cancer. If you have used tanning beds or laid out in the sun to get a tan, or if you have had an outdoor job, you are more likely to develop skin cancer. The less you have used sunscreen on a regular basis, the higher your skin cancer risk is too.

It’s clear that there are many risk factors for skin cancer, and some are in your control while others are not. Regardless of your risk factors, one of the most important ways to protect your health is to schedule your annual skin cancer screening with our skilled providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. We can assess any potential areas of concern in addition to counseling you about your skin cancer risk factors and how to keep your skin healthy. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more skin health tips.

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*Disclaimer: The content on Dermatology Associates of Atlanta's website is intended to educate patients about skin conditions and treatments, but is not to be taken as medical advice. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is not responsible for any omissions of information or any damages arising from the display of said content. Dermatologic treatment must be determined on a per patient basis by a board certified physician. It is recommended that you obtain assistance from a licensed professional for any treatment questions. Treatment results may vary from person to person.

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