Perform surgery only when necessary
Our entire practice is devoted exclusively to skin cancer. We offer the most comprehensive approach to the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer. We also utilize the most technologically advanced diagnostic tools to aid in early diagnosis, as well as the most sophisticated methods of treatment. Our philosophy is to expect nothing less than outstanding outcomes and unsurpassed cure rates. In our family-friendly environment, we strive to alleviate your anxiety, allay your fears, and dispel the many myths surrounding skin cancer and its treatment.
When treatment is required for the removal of pre-cancers or skin cancers, even if located in the most delicate of areas, we carefully and skillfully do only what is necessary, as comfortably as possible, with the least amount of pain. In many instances, even when treating pre-cancerous actinic keratoses with a common treatment like liquid nitrogen, we often numb the site prior to the application of this otherwise painful procedural application. This is especially helpful when applying this extremely cold substance to one’s forehead or scalp, where nerve endings are particularly sensitive.
Attention to detail and a willingness to provide a total body examination
A total body exam at least once a year for high-risk patients who have a personal or family history of melanoma
The use of typical visual aids, such as lighting and magnification devices
The use of technologically advanced visual aids, such as digital photography (to follow spots of concern over time) and Dermoscopy (see details in section on Dermoscopy)
A well-trained skin cancer provider who is conducting a skin cancer screening does not always follow a patient’s list of concerns in the order in which the patient presents them. This is not to say that your spots of concern should not or will not be examined. Oftentimes, the provider has a systematic methodology that is followed in order to ensure that all areas of your body are inspected for skin problems. By doing so, the provider focuses on the spots or lesions that are of most potential concern for cancer. However, if you want to ensure that you don’t forget to ask the provider about your particular concerns, feel free to draw a circle around specific spots to ensure that they are seen. This will serve as a reminder to you and as an area of focus for your provider. It is best to remove make up from your face prior to the examination so that nothing is hidden. You may choose to bring make up with you to put back on prior to leaving the office and returning to your daily routine. Some providers and or staff members may be very sensitive to fragrances or perfumes so please refrain from such if possible on your visit.
