How We Use Dermoscopy to Inspect Squamous Cell Carcinoma

How We Use Dermoscopy to Inspect Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A confident skin diagnosis is made possible with the latest advances in skin microscopy technology. Using dermatoscopy (a hand-held, lighted magnifying lens), a dermoscopy evaluation provides your skin-care professional with a clear picture of the structures on your skin. This gentle procedure is non-invasive and allows your dermatologist to identify important surface conditions like discolorations, abnormal shapes, and other problematic indications with vivid clarity. 

Dermoscopy has become an essential tool for the professional diagnosis of a range of skin conditions. Compared to the naked eye, dermatoscopy improve diagnosis accuracy by 10-27%. Along with the improved diagnosis, many modern dermatoscopy also provides your dermatologist with detailed imagery for an even deeper level of skin inspection and analysis. 

How Dermoscopy is Used to Identify Problematic Skin Cells

Several skin conditions present very similar when compared to the naked eye. Fortunately, the subtle variations in lesions and patches are easily narrowed down following a thorough dermoscopy evaluation. With a professionally magnified examination, dermatologists can rule out certain conditions, objectively define major disease indicators, and improve treatment outcomes. 

Dermoscopy is particularly helpful when identifying various forms of skin cancer. Certain forms of cancer will have tiny variations that normally go unnoticed. With a dermatoscopy, your dermatologist can identify:

  • Abnormal Shapes & Borders
  • Problematic Striations & Veins 
  • Risky Discolorations 
  • Damaged Skin Cells
  • & Other Difficult to Identify Skin Symptoms…

Benefits of Dermoscopy Compared to Other Evaluation Methods

With a detailed skin evaluation using a dermatoscope, patients benefit in a variety of ways. First of all, invasive analysis techniques like painful skin biopsies can sometimes be avoided. A dermatoscopy evaluation is pain-free, can be performed quickly and easily, and will provide you with a range of detailed insights into your current skin condition. 

All dermoscopy appointments can be performed in the office. No need to stress over lengthy procedures, painful examinations, or days spent in recovery. Thanks to our caring dermatologist’s depth of experience, you can expect a superior level of professional diagnosis without any of the pain or discomfort that’s often associated with other diagnostic procedures.

Following our fast and effective dermatoscopy evaluations, our skilled providers offer a range of versatile treatment solutions. We specialize in personalized service and tailor a healing plan around your specific skin condition. Many of our procedures are just as quick and easy as our dermoscopy evaluations, and provide our patients with faster healing times, effective treatment options, and are 100% committed to preserving and promoting long-term skin health. 

Schedule a Pain-Free Skin Examination Today

Our professional dermoscopy evaluations are one of the best ways to proactively protect your health. If you have any discolored, painful, or patchy areas of skin, get in touch with our skin specialists for compassionate help as soon as possible. Let us know if you would like to meet with dermatologists for skin cancer in Montgomery County, PA, or to discuss proven diagnostics, available treatment options, or would like to schedule a pain-free appointment with our specialists today. 

What is Mohs Surgery and The Recovery Process?

What is Mohs Surgery and The Recovery Process

If you suffer from skin cancer, then one of the most effective ways to cure it is with Mohs Surgery. This type of surgery has been used to treat skin cancer for several decades and is a relatively easy procedure to perform. Here’s everything you need to know about Mohs surgery in Southampton, PA.

What is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs Surgery is the name given to a procedure that was first discovered by Frederick Mohs. It can remove skin cancer from the body by carefully removing infected cells tissue layer by tissue layer. It’s a microscopic surgery in that as little skin and tissue is removed as possible. The goal is just to remove the layer of tissue that is cancerous, then a small section of the layer below that to ensure it didn’t spread deeper.

Mohs is best used for patients that are concerned about the rate of growth. If the skin cancer is advancing quickly, then Mohs Surgery is ideal. This is also the case if the skin cancer is located in an area where you need as much healthy tissue as possible.

If the skin cancer is oddly shaped or has uneven edges, then Mohs is also effective.

The surgery is performed by the doctor first cleaning the area. Then they’ll give you a numbing agent. Finally, the doctor will use a scalpel to carefully cut away the cancerous tissue. A sample will also be taken to determine if cancer has spread.

Once the surgery is over, there are a few ways that the recovery can go.

The Recovery Process

For small incisions, the surgeon may just let it heal on its own. For larger incisions, you may need stitches or a skin graft. In most cases, you can leave the office completely cancer-free. If the sample shows that cancer has spread, then you’ll need to come in for another surgery.

You’re usually able to go home soon after the surgery. You’ll need to be careful about bending or stretching. Otherwise, you may open the wound. You should avoid heavy labor for at least five to ten days.

Become Cancer-Free Today

If you suffer from skin cancer, then you need experienced dermatologists ready to help you battle it. We specialize in Mohs Surgery and can help make your experience as simple and easy as possible. Give us a call today to find out more.

5 Things You Need to Know About Dermoscopy for Skin Cancer

5 Things You Need to Know About Dermoscopy for Skin Cancer

What Is Dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy is a procedure that is performed with a device called a dermatoscope. It allows the medical professional to get a better view of the epidermis and dermis. It is a non-invasive procedure that is primarily used to discover lesions on the skin. Your dermatologist may recommend that you get this procedure before you get mole removal in Southampton, PA.

Improves the Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Fortunately, it is much easier to treat if it is detected early. Dermatologists are only able to diagnose 65 to 80 percent of melanomas with their naked eye. Dermoscopy can boost the accuracy of diagnosis by 10 to 27 percent. If the dermoscopy reveals something suspicious, then you will be able to get the treatment that you need.

Differentiate Between Different Lesions

A naked eye exam can reveal that there is something wrong. However, a dermatologist may not be able to differentiate between the different types of lesions with their naked eye. A dermatoscope can help the dermatologist determine the type of skin cancer that you have.

Reduce the Need for Biopsies

Biopsies are one of the standard diagnostic tools used for skin cancer. A biopsy requires that you undergo a minor procedure with basic wound care and follow up. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive procedure while offering a great opportunity to find early basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

Furthermore, it is not time-consuming for you to get an exam with dermoscopy. It typically takes about 70 seconds to perform a full skin examination. If a dermoscopy is added, then the entire examination will take 142 seconds.

Painless Procedure

The thought of pain is one of the reasons that many people are afraid to come to the doctor. You can put your mind at ease when you contact our dermatology services in Bucks County, PA to learn more. We take extra steps to minimize pain including using dermoscopy to minimize the need for unnecessary biopsies.