By doing a simple skin self-exam  every month, you can improve your chances of finding a melanoma early. In addition to doing routine skin self-exams, you should have your skin checked regularly by a physician.

Topical retinoids are a group of prescription medications used to reverse some of the damaging effects of sun exposure over time.  These medications are also used to treat acne.  The active ingredient in most preparations is tretinoin. This is now available as a generic preparation, other names are Retin-A and Renova (Renova is no longer available)

Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. Melanoma accounts for approximately 1% of all skin cancers but unfortunately accounts for the majority of skin cancer related deaths. In 2019, melanoma is expected to take the lives of 7,230 Americans.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 20% of all skin cancers. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those who are fair-skinned. It is more common in people who have regular prolonged sun exposure.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for over 75% of all skin cancers. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those who are fair-skinned. It is more common in people who have regular prolonged sun exposure.

There are many different types of skin growths, most are “benign”, which means that they are not harmful. 

Warts are rough bumps that are usually flesh-colored and tend to occur in areas of skin that are prone to trauma such as the hands, feet, elbows and knees.

Skin cancer is an extremely common condition. There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Examination of the skin for suspicious moles is an important means of achieving early detection for skin cancer and other conditions.

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to treat superficial precancers, warts, and other superficial skin growths. Read about the process, care, and treatment recommendations.

Actinic Keratoses are precancers that can be treated with a cream, requiring less of a need for more painful treatments over time and leaving the skin looking and feeling healthier. Learn best practices for treatment.

After your biopsy, it’s important to follow careful instruction to keep infections away. Learn more about restricted activities and proper appearance of biopsy sites.