Types of Skin Cancer

The three main types of skin cancer—BCC, SCC, and Melanoma—vary in severity, but all are treatable with early detection. BCC is the most common, while melanoma is the most aggressive.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Least dangerous, grows slowly, rarely spreads, but can cause damage if untreated. Appearance: Open sores, reddish patches, shiny bumps, pink growths, scar-like areas. Risk factors: Sun exposure, fair skin, light hair/eyes. Treatment: Surgical excision, electrodessication, cryosurgery, radiation.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Abnormal growth of squamous cells, can metastasize but rare if early. Appearance: Wart-like growths, scaly red patches, open sores, elevated growths with central depression. Risk factors: Same as BCC. Treatment: Similar to BCC.

Melanoma

Most dangerous, likely to metastasize. Appearance: Brown/black tumors on trunk/legs, but can occur anywhere. Risk factors: UV exposure, moles, family history, fair complexion. Treatment: Surgical removal, staging, chemotherapy, radiation, biologics, investigational therapies.

Detection of Skin Cancer

Early detection saves lives—use the ABCDE guide to spot potential issues and consult Dr. Buatti promptly.

Use ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry (one half doesn’t match the other)
Border (irregular edges)
Color (mixture of colors)
Diameter (>6mm)
Evolution (changes in shape/size/color).

Not all cancers have all traits; seek medical advice for suspicious areas.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

How It Works

We begin with a thorough evaluation of your skin cancer, reviewing your medical history and discussing the procedure. On the day of surgery, the treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Layered Tissue Removal

Our Mohs surgeon carefully removes the visible cancerous tissue in thin layers, preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Each layer is meticulously mapped to track the exact location of the cancer.

After each layer is removed, it’s immediately examined under a microscope in our on-site lab to check for cancer cells. This real-time analysis ensures we target only the affected tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin.

If cancer cells are detected, we remove another thin layer from the specific area and repeat the analysis. This process continues until no cancer cells remain, ensuring complete removal with the highest accuracy.

Once the cancer is fully removed, we discuss options for wound healing, which may include natural healing or minor reconstructive techniques to minimize scarring. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-ups to monitor healing and skin health.

The Benefits

Highest Cure Rate
For Cancer Removal

Mohs surgery offers one of the highest cure rates for skin cancer (up to 99% for certain types), precisely targeting and removing cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Minimal
Scarring

By removing only the affected tissue in thin layers, Mohs surgery minimizes damage to surrounding skin, resulting in smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes.

Same-Day
Results

The procedure’s real-time microscopic analysis ensures all cancer is removed during a single visit, providing immediate confirmation and reducing the need for additional surgeries.

Preserves
Healthy Skin

The layer-by-layer approach targets only cancerous tissue, preserving as much healthy skin as possible, which is especially important for visible areas like the face.

Increased
Peace of Mind

Knowing your skin cancer has been thoroughly removed by our skilled Mohs surgeons offers confidence and relief, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.

Faster Recovery with Expert Care

With tailored reconstruction and clear aftercare guidance, Mohs surgery promotes quick healing, helping you return to your routine with minimal disruption and optimal results.

Risks & Preventions

  • UV radiation, emitted by the sun, includes UVA (long wavelength, penetrates deep, causes wrinkles and cancer), UVB (middle wavelength, causes sunburns and DNA damage), and UVC (short wavelength, absorbed by the atmosphere). UVA and UVB are the primary culprits, with long-term exposure leading to blemishes, wrinkles, and potentially cancer.

  • Risk factors include frequent sunburns, fair skin, light hair/eyes, and a history of tanning, increasing vulnerability to Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma.

  • Tanning myths, like “tanning is safe” or “tanning beds are safer,” are debunked—tanning causes skin injury, suppresses immunity, and doubles skin cancer risk with five or more sunburns.

  • Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest—follow the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade.

  • Use sunscreen with SPF 35 or higher, reapplying every few hours, especially when sweating or swimming, as only 14% of teens use it routinely.

  • Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, tightly woven fabrics), hats with brims, opaque umbrellas, and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield skin.

  • Embrace small sun exposure (10-15 minutes) for Vitamin D, found in eggs, fish, and cheese, without tanning.

  • Follow the American Cancer Society’s “Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!”: Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Wrap on sunglasses.

The Results

Medical Services