May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - Page

  • Posted on: Apr 30 2018
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Did you know that 40 to 50 % of Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once?  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer occurs more often than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined! Skin Cancer is a very serious concern for patients in Colorado. Our increased altitude and high UV index put Coloradans at an even higher risk of developing skin cancer. Thankfully, if caught early most skin cancers are curable. See your dermatologist annually for a Full Body Skin Exam.

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, you have treatment options. There are three main types of skin cancers:

Basal cell skin carcinomas

What is it? The most common form of skin cancer and frequently develops in people with fair skin. However, BCC also occurs in people with darker skin. Often identified by the appearance of a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or pinkish patch of skin. This type of skin cancer typically appears after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.  Commonly found on the head, neck, and arms, BCC can appear anywhere on the body including the abdomen, chest or legs.

Squamous cell carcinomas

What is it? SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer and is identified by the appearance of one or many red firm bumps on the skin or a sore that heals and reopens. Similar to BCC, SCC typically forms on areas of the skin that get frequent exposure to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, chest, arms, and back.

Melanoma

What is it? Melanoma is the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer. It frequently develops as a mole or a sudden new dark spot on the skin. People of all races, genders, and skin types are at risk for melanoma and must keep a careful eye on their skin, especially the places that already have existing freckles or moles. Keep an eye out for any changes to your skin’s pigment and see a dermatologist immediately if you notice any changes.

Early Detection Is Essential

Current estimates predict one in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer in their lifetime, but it does not have to be a death sentence. Early detection and intervention are essential to favorable outcomes. While many forms of BCC or SCC can be treated by removing the affected mole, some cancers( melanoma) require a more aggressive approach.

At The Asarch Center, we understand that early detection and treatment is key to survival, and we are proud to offer the most innovative treatment solutions, Mohs Surgery. Developed to ensure complete removal of cancer, Mohs Surgery virtually eliminates the risk of recurrence.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, who developed the treatment in the 1930s, Mohs uses a highly-accurate microscope to identify and remove skin cancer at the root, allowing surgeons to remove the entire tumor without damaging healthy tissue. In addition, it also reduces the likelihood of disfigurement and scarring.  

With the highest cure rate of any skin care treatment, Mohs cures 99% of all new cancer cases and 95% cases of recurrence. This makes Mohs the “single most effective” treatment for skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

 

Why Asarch Dermatology?

ASarch Center Dermatology, Laser and Mohs Surgery, is a nationally recognized center of excellence, provides our patients with state of the art technique and treatment options, both in clinical and aesthetic dermatology. Dr. Richard Asarch and Dr. James Twede perform Mohs in our Englewood and Castle Rock locations.

As a leader in his field, Dr. Asarch learned every aspect of this technique directly from the source. Yes, that is right, Dr. Asarch learned this innovative treatment solution directly at the hands of Dr. Mohs.  In addition, Dr. Asarch has successfully performed more than 30,000 Mohs Surgery procedures, so you can rest assured you are in the hands of a master.

Dr. Twede is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is fellowship trained in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Utah and his Doctor of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University; graduating in the top tier of his class and received the Emma M. Bockman Award for research excellence. Upon completion of his military commitment, he went on to complete a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology at the esteemed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  

 

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