Tag Archives: skin cancer

In My View: There is no such thing as a healthy tan

I see the negative effects of tanning in my plastic surgery practice every day. I am therefore planning to testify before the city council in support of a tanning ban for minors.

I equate this ordinance to that of banning the sale of cigarettes to minors. I am thinking about every piece of person I cut off that is due to tanning. yes, most of my skin cancer patients are older male laborers and farmers. but a growing percentage are young women. The usual scenario is someone coming in for wrinkles and “oh, can you peek at this spot? my mom has been bugging me about it.” The fact is all of these women started their journey to becoming skin cancer patients as young girls. this law could have protected them.

Melanoma is a killer. Just as not all smokers develop lung cancer, not all tanners will develop melanoma. but if they live long enough, they will absolutely develop some other kind of skin cancer. maybe not deadly, but potentially disfiguring. I have cut off parts of ears, noses, eyelids, lips—parts of the face that are not forgiving and require plastic surgical repair. I counsel every single patient I see to use sunscreen. The only ones who listen to me are those who do not want more wrinkles. Even patients with metastatic melanoma do not consistently wear sunscreen.

I took a tiny office poll recently asking whether anyone ever went to a tanning salon. The answer was universally “yes.” I asked why, and the most common answer was that a tan looks healthier than pale skin. I asked whether more wrinkles at a younger age would have deterred them. The answer was universally “no.” what about skin cancer? “No — I didn’t know what that really meant until I started working here.” The fact is all people will do things to look better despite health risks, in part because they cannot understand the risks until after they are diagnosed with cancer.  

Parental approval is not enough protection. Most parents have no idea what harm tanning can do. The first thing I tell a facelift patient is to always wear sun protection. More often than not, the person did not know tanning was a sign of injury to the skin. “I thought it was healthy to tan!”

some adamantly continue to use a tanning bed and pay me for cosmetic services. this is how ingrained the hunger for tanned skin is in our culture. honestly, I thought the leather tan was a thing of the past, from the days of night-time soaps like “Dallas.” it is definitely still the standard of beauty. my patients who know it is unhealthy come in cowering, giving excuses if they have a tan or sunburn after vacation. Invariably, these same patients slather their children with SPF 10,000 but put nothing on themselves.

In My View: There is no such thing as a healthy tan

FDA Approves Laser Treatment To Reduce Stretch Marks

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – If you are one of the many people who have tried all kinds of creams to get rid of stretch marks with no luck, there’s finally some help.

The FDA has approved the first treatment shown to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Marsha Klaus is blessed to have two wonderful children, but with that blessing came stretch marks.

Sixteen years later, the marks are still around her hips and they bother her.

“I tried old wives tale of cocoa butter, rub on every day and night. I think sometimes you think just doing it, sooner or later, it’s going to make a difference. but quite honesty, it never did,” Klaus said.

Klaus initially met Dr. Paul Leong, a plastic surgeon on the South side, when he used laser treatment to improve a scar on her face from skin cancer removal.

She had such a good experience that when she learned about the newly approved laser treatment for stretch marks, she wanted to give it a try.

Dr. Leong has been using the Palomar Lux 1540 laser handpiece to treat acne scars for years, but he said it took strict testing and evidence for the FDA to approve it for stretch marks.

“This team gathered together some incredibly compelling data. the FDA doesn’t just give out these indications. You have to produce compelling objective data and that’s what they did,” Dr. Leong said.

Klaus recently received the second of what will be five treatments, a month apart.

“The key is it’s not burning the skin, it’s heating the tissue. It’s heating the tissue and allowing the body’s own restorative and healing properties to shrink down acne scars or stretch marks,” Dr. Leong said.

The treatment takes about six months to see the maximum results.

Klaus knows her stretch marks won’t completely go away, but she is looking forward to diminishing their appearance.

Another big advantage to laser treatment is that there is no downtime. You can go about your day right after each treatment.

The treated area might be a little red for a few days, but that’s it.

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FDA Approves Laser Treatment To Reduce Stretch Marks

Treatment of Skin Cancer of the Face

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in men and women in the world. Specifically the two common subtypes are called basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Fortunately, skin cancers such as these are very treatable, especially when caught early.

Since facial skin cancers are treatable, early detection is important. once detected there are several options for treatment. The mainstay of therapy is removal of the cancer.

There are two methods in which this is performed:
1) Wide Local Excision- The cancer is removed taking additional skin around the visible portion of the cancer as a margin to ensure that any microscopic cells are removed. this is a good option where additional skin can be removed without consequence and reconstruction is not a concern. when considering facial skin cancers, such is the case in areas such as the cheek and/or neck.

2) MOHS Surgery- MOHS surgery is a process by which the physician removes the visible skin cancer. While you are still in the office, he/she will look at the borders of the removed cancer under the microscope to determine if more skin needs to be removed in order to completely remove the cancer. once all of the cancer is removed, repair of the skin defect is considered.

MOHS surgery is beneficial in areas of the face where reconstruction is more difficult. this way the smallest possible amount of skin is removed while safely still removing all of the cancer. Cure rates using the MOHS micrographic surgical technique by a qualified MOHS surgeon are quoted to be as being as high as 99%.

Since the head and neck is such a visible area, repair of the MOHS or cancer defect is an essential consideration when treating skin cancers. this is often performed by a facial plastic surgeon that works closely with a MOHS surgeon. There are many options for MOHS repair that are beyond the scope of this article. You may visit http://www.drsteiger.com/procedures/reconstruction.html for more information regarding reconstruction.

Remember, the key to treating skin cancer is early detection. You should perform self skin checks and visit your dermatologist for a full body skin examination.

Treatment of Skin Cancer of the Face

True Sunscreen Secrets from the Experts (taken from the American Academy of Dermatology) «

Who needs sunscreens? Everyone! more than 2 million nonmelanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually. many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma. Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: ultraviolet a (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which interferes with the immune system’s ability to protect you against the development and spread of skin cancer. UVA exposure also is known to lead to signs of premature aging of the skin such as wrinkling and age spots. the UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn.

A good way to remember it is that UVA rays are the aging rays and UVB rays are the burning rays. Excessive exposure to both forms of UV rays can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied every day to exposed skin, and not just if you are going to be in the sun. For days when you are going to be indoors, apply sunscreen on the areas not covered by clothing, such as the face and hands. Sunscreens can be applied under makeup, or alternatively, there are many cosmetic products available that contain sunscreens for daily use. Sun protection is the principal means of preventing premature aging and skin cancer. It’s never too late to protect yourself from the sun and minimize your future risk of skin cancer.

Don’t reserve the use of sunscreen only for sunny days. Even on a cloudy day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. In addition, sand reflects 25 percent of the sun’s rays and snow reflects 80 percent of the sun’s rays.

Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. When using sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all exposed areas and pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands, and arms. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly — most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Don’t forget that lips get sunburned, too, so apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreens should be reapplied approximately every two hours or after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even so-called “water-resistant” sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. Sunscreens rub off as well as wash off, so if you’ve towel-dried, reapply sunscreen for continued protection.

Also, there are a number of combination cosmetic products, such as moisturizers that contain sunscreen, but it is important to remember that these products also need to be reapplied to achieve continued UV protection. there are so many types of sunscreen that selecting the right one can be quite confusing. Sunscreens are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. the type of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice. Creams are best for individuals with dry skin, but gels are preferable in hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest. Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams typically yield a thicker application than lotions and are best for the face. there also are sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as sensitive skin and for use on babies.

Ideally, sunscreens should be water-resistant, so they cannot be easily removed by sweating or swimming, and should have an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB light. Unless indicated by an expiration date, the FDA requires that all sunscreens be stable and at their original strength for at least three years.

But what does SPF stands for? It stands for sun protection factor. Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their SPF. the SPF numbers on the packaging can range from as low as 2 to greater than 50. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to deflect the sun’s burning rays (UVB). the sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take 20 minutes of exposure for the skin to turn red. a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 15, which means it would take 15 times longer to burn, or 150 minutes. Even with this protection, sunscreen photo degrades (breaks down) and rubs off with normal wear, so it needs to be reapplied approximately every two hours. at present, there is no FDA-approved rating system that identifies UVA protection. UVB protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF of 60 screens 98 percent of UVB rays, and an SPF of 30 screens 97 percent of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 15 screens 93 percent of UVB rays, and an SPF of 2 screens 50 percent of UVB rays. In Europe, the COLIPA (European Cosmetics Association) method assigns a 50+ SPF for high protection sunscreens, regardless if they have a SPF of more than 50.  however, inadequate application of sunscreen may result in a lower SPF than the product contains. Whichever SPF you choose, wearing sunscreen should not provide a false sense of security about protection from UVB exposure. No sunscreen can provide 100 percent UVB protection. Using a higher SPF provides greater UVB protection than a lower SPF, but it does not mean that you should stay out in the sun longer.

This blog post was contributed by CosMed Clinic’s Dermatologist Dr. Alberto De La Fuente García. To learn more about how you can improve the appearance of your skin, you can contact him at www.CosMedClinic.com

True Sunscreen Secrets from the Experts (taken from the American Academy of Dermatology) «

Tips for Staying Cool and Exercising Safely in the Summer

First of all sweat is a wonderful thing in the heat according to experts from the Loyola University Health system. it helps regulate our body temperature and lets us cool off in 90 degree heat. while sweat is vital it is also not without its own problems. the researchers from Loyola note that as we sweat we become dehydrated which could pave the way for heat injury. Luckily the experts have a few things you can do to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of heat injury.

Before even stepping out the house there are plenty of things you can do to ensure safe exercising in the sun. Wear light colored clothing as dark colors tend to trap heat, making you hotter and increasing the risk of heat injury. After carefully selecting your wardrobe, check the humidity. Anything above 60 percent will make it more difficult to cool down as the sweat can’t evaporate from your skin and into the air.

Don’t step out of the door just yet. As always make sure you apply sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancer and make sure to reapply every couple of hours. now that you’ve taken all the preventative steps and are ready to face the heat, remember to take things slow as you start off. Let your body get used to the temperature and gradually increase your workout. make sure to cool down every once in a while as well and try to find some shade.

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Remember to hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise to reduce the risk of heat injury and keep your body from dehydrating.

Other factors to consider include medications such as stimulants may increase the risk of heat injury so be sure to ask your doctor about heat-related side effects. if you were sick recently and had a fever, try to avoid exercising in the heat. Fevers increase your body temperature and elevate the risk of heat injury even before the exercise begins.

Following these tips from the experts at Loyola will make exercising in the sun safe and healthy. even if you’re not exercising, taking precaution in the sun is important and following these tips will make the hot days bearable.

Published by Medicaldaily.com

Tips for Staying Cool and Exercising Safely in the Summer

Dr Sam Speron Agrees With New Studies That Reveal Skin Cancer is The Most Rapidly Growing Epidemic of Our Time!

Park Ridge, IL (PRWEB) June 05, 2012

these days, tanned and sun-kissed skin is heavily featured in our media. Whether it is the model in the Calvin Klein advertisement, the A-list celebrity promoting her latest film, or the boisterous reality star that the public loves to hate, they are all showcasing an olive toned glow which causes a trickle-down trend effect to the general population. It is more than common to notice that teens as young as 13 years old are frequenting the tanning salon and many are on a daily basis. unfortunately, the old mantra of “beauty is pain” may be all too familiar in this situation with the prevalent rise of skin cancer cases in the world.

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer within the United States, with cases of it rising every year. There are three different types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and the deadliest form which is melanoma. causes of skin cancer include ultraviolet light exposure due to sunlight or indoor tanning, certain chemicals, and high levels of radiation. Fair skinned and haired people are amongst the highest risk group of acquiring some form of skin cancer.

“All evidence points to skin cancer being the most rapidly growing epidemic of our time” says Dr. Sam Speron, Chicago plastic surgeon and consumer advocate. “It is of upmost importance to educate oneself on prevention and how to spot suspicious moles.”

When it comes to observing any suspicious moles, it is recommended to use the ABCD method. The a stands for asymmetry, which means if the asymmetry is off then the mole may be malignant. B stands for border which is to remind us that it should not be irregular or jagged. C is for color, which should be the same all throughout the mole. Finally, D is for diameter which means that it should not be bigger than 6mm and it is important to watch for any growth or change in the mole.

For some, it may also be a good idea to consider removing benign moles because they have the potential to become malignant at some point. Laser mole removal is a safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing option because there is minimal chance of scarring.

For more skin cancer diagnosis or treatment, laser mole removal or Chicago cosmetic surgery information, please visit our website at http://www.parkridgemedicalspa.com or http://www.prplastic.com/mole_removal.htm, call us at 847.696.9900 or email us at prplastic(at)yahoo(dot)com. To order skin care, anti-aging or herbal supplements, please see our website at prskincare.com

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Dr Sam Speron Agrees With New Studies That Reveal Skin Cancer is The Most Rapidly Growing Epidemic of Our Time!

Eyes need protection from damaging UV rays, visible blue light

  • Renee Dudley
  • Posted: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 12:01 a.m. UPDATED: Monday, May 28, 2012 12:56 a.m.
  • Text size: A A A

A recent study says Charleston ranks high in the amount of ultraviolent rays that may damage eyes. (Tyrone Walker/postandcourier.com)

Sunlight can harm your eyes, so wear sunglasses.

A new report from the Vision Council, an association that represents optical industry manufacturers and suppliers, says ultraviolet rays can harm the eye and lead to vision impairment.

UV rays also can cause skin cancer in the sensitive skin of the eyelid, an increasingly common occurrence in the Charleston area, said Dr. M. Edward Wilson, a pediatric ophthalmologist at MUSC’s Storm Eye Institute.

Another Storm Eye doctor, George O. Waring IV, said it’s the visible blue light that is known to be the more dangerous source of eye damage. Waring, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at MUSC, said little in-depth scientific research has been done on the effects of UV radiation on the eyes.

“It’s important to block blue light — much more important than the UV,” said Waring, who is the director of refractive surgery at Storm. “But it’s easy enough to block the UV spectrum as well, and we’re learning more about its effects.”

To block blue light, look for lenses that offer 95 percent to 100 percent UV filtering and have a yellow to dark amber tint.

Dr. Paul Michelson, a California-based professional adviser to the Vision Council, said blue light might be harmful, but he emphasized that UV rays are “unequivocally damaging” to the eyes.

Michelson said people who regularly have high UV exposure — those who live near the equator or at high altitudes and those who work outdoors — have a greater risk of pterygium, a type of painful eye growth.

Many sunglasses are advertised as offering UVA or UVB protection, which Wilson and the Vision Council said is essential for protecting the eyes from damage.

The eye also has natural filters to block most UV light, Waring said.

“UV in natural doses is needed for eye function and can be beneficial,” he said.

In his research, Waring has used UV light to treat disorders of the cornea. he noted, though, that UVB is known to be dangerous in cases involving snow blindness among mountaineers at high altitudes. and UVA might play a role in the development of cataracts and another condition that causes the eye to lose its ability to focus, he said.

The Vision Council pointed out that young eyes and blue eyes are especially prone to UV damage.

Charleston is 13th nationally among cities ranked in order of UV intensity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Weather Service.

Waring reduced all the information to a single bottom line:

“Sunglasses are just a good idea if you spend a lot of time in the sun and live near the ocean,” he said.

Eyes need protection from damaging UV rays, visible blue light

Southcoast to screen for skin cancers

By ANIKA CLARK may 07, 2012 12:00 AM

Mole or melanoma? Skin spot or squamous cell carcinoma? Freckle or something more frightening?

If you’ve ever looked at your arm, forehead or any other body part and asked such questions, Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care could be your source of free answers.

At a screening event on may 31, dermatologists Richard Waldman and Ronald Schneider will team up with radiation oncologist Tushar Kumar to help keep local skin safe.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, according to Kumar, who said the sooner you catch it the better.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that melanoma — a deadly variety that starts in cells that produce the pigment melanin — will kill more than 9,000 people in the United States this year.

If the cancer is “going deeper in the skin, it has a higher propensity to get into the lymphatic system” and spread, Kumar said.

Similarly, although basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas usually aren’t fatal, he said early detection is key.

“If it’s a very small dot on your ear, it could still be surgically excised,” he said. “Whereas if it gets a little bit bigger, you may not be a candidate for surgery and then you may need radiation or you may need plastic surgery to reconstruct that ear.”

Kumar’s description of various skin cancer culprits makes a good case for turning to an expert eye.

Squamous cell carcinomas are generally flaky, crusty and itchy, featuring raised borders that may have a bloody center, he said, while basal cell carcinomas “by default would be all other things.” Basal cell carcinomas can have raised borders, too, but can also be flat and sport a “central clear area.”

Melanoma, likewise, has many different varieties.

Often this kind of cancer will have an irregular border, like a fried egg and can be raised, painful or bleeding. Melanomas will often be dark-colored but can also lack pigment and appear pink or scaly.

But whether your skin spots are beige or brown, big or small, pay attention to changes.

“Everybody has freckles and moles but not all freckles and moles change over time,” Kumar said. “Generally things that change within, say, weeks or months are a little bit more concerning.”

If an area on your skin gets red, swollen or painful, or if it starts to itch or bleed, he added, “that’s definitely a sign that it could be something that needs to be either taken out or at least biopsied.”

If you’ve had a lot of sun exposure or have hit the tanning beds hard, Kumar suggested linking up with a dermatologist for annual checkups.

He stressed the importance of protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays, and also described skin cancer misconceptions that can lead you astray.

Although the Mayo Clinic lists having fair skin among many factors that can increase one’s risk of skin cancer, the clinic says it can strike people of any skin color.

Also, Kumar said, skin cancer isn’t just a disease of the elderly.

“My youngest person was 20 that had melanoma and my oldest was 80,” he said.

And, “we have more and more younger people going into tanning booths and suntanning and so we’re seeing more and more (squamous and basal cell carcinomas) in younger people, in their 20s and even teens.”

Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care will offer its free skin cancer screenings at its Fall River site on Thursday, may 31, 5:30-8 p.m., 506 Prospect St., Fall River.

Advance registration is required due to limited space; call 800-497-1727.

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Southcoast to screen for skin cancers

Summer skincare tips

7th may 2012

Taking care of our skin in the sun is a must, melanoma skin cancer rates are consistently rising and hopefully with summer around the corner we should know how to protect ourselves.

Mr Paul Banwell, worldwide authority on skin cancer and Head of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit, East Grinstead, gives his top tips on how to enjoy the sun safely this summer:

1. Remember Slip, Slap, Slop…. and Wrap!Cover up in the midday sun, wear a hat and definitely wear good quality sunglasses. the critical point on holiday is do NOT get sunburned. this really does increase your susceptibility to skin cancer in later life.

2. Get Matey with your MolesLook out for new or existing moles that are darkly pigmented, change in colour and/or size, have an irregular outline and itch, bleed or crust. If you are unsure or concerned that you may have one or more of these symptoms, visit your GP. They will examine your skin and would be able to refer you to a Plastic Surgeon with a specialist interest in skin cancer. If in doubt, do get them checked.

3. Beware of Sun SensitivityIf you are taking prescription medication, ensure that you check the labels to see if they affect your body’s reaction to the sun and heat, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about the potentially harmful effects of heat, sun and fatigue.

4. know your Sunscreens: Mineral vs.ChemicalThere are two main types of sun cream – chemical and mineral (physical). the main difference is that chemical sun care products contain UV filtering ingredients that take time to be absorbed by the skin – so need 20 minutes to absorb before sun exposure. Mineral sunscreens contain inert UV protective ingredients such as zinc oxide and form a protective barrier on top of the skin, so have an immediate effect. Some people who suffer allergies or sensitivities to chemical UV filters find that mineral SPFs do not irritate their skin. Zinc is also anti-inflammatory and does not block pores.

5. Reapply Sunscreen RegularlyApply liberally and evenly every 4 hours and each time you get out of the water to ensure optimal protection. It’s a common mistake not to use enough sunscreen. If you are keen on water sports, it’s especially vita to apply even more reguarly. Apply at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to each body part (leg, arm etc), plus a little bit more for luck! Don’t forget the ‘forgotten’ areas such as ears and under the chin – or the soles of the feet if you are going to be lying down with them exposed to the sun.

6. choose a Long-Lasting SunscreenI would recommend Piz Buin 1 Day Long Lotion as it provides 6 hours of long lasting SPF 30 protection in one single application. Its non-greasy formula is quickly absorbed and is seat and water resistant, making this a good choice for those who are not as diligent about reapplying sunscreen regularly.

7. Try a High Tech SunscreenHeliocare Gel Cream Colour SPF50 offers advances protection both on the skin and from within and is the only UV protection to contain Fernblock Photoimmunoprotection Technology. It’s non-oily and easy to apply and also has a skin-tone enhancer that gives a healthy bronzed look and helps to mask uneven areas of skin tone and blemishes. another one I’d recommend is Skin Ceuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF with titanium dioxide as it offers excellent protection with novel technology that makes it cosmetically elegant.

8. NutritionA good diet with plenty of healthy fruit and vegetables will ensure maximum benefit from antioxidants which help to strengthen the skin.

9. Get the correct amount of Vitamin DAround 50 per cent of the adult population in the UK have sub-optimal levels of vitamin D and about 15 per cent have ‘severe’ deficiency during winter and spring. Exposure to the sun is essential for production of vitamin D by the skin. It is fine to have 20-to-30 minutes of exposure to the sun two-to-three times a week. It has also been shown that oral vitamin D might be beneficial to guard against melanoma, a potentially lethal form of skin cancer.

10. Don’t Push your Luck in the SunIt is possible that increased use of sun creams may give people a false sense of security which may encourage people to go into the sun more and, as a result, cause an increase in the risk of developing skin cancers. Sunscreens only partially protect your skin; therefore using sun cream does not mean that you can sunbathe for long periods without harm.

Summer skincare tips

Laser Treatment Shown to Reduce Skin Cancer Removal Scars

The cosmetic outcome of skin cancer removal can be improved with a fractional CO2 laser treatment, according to a recent study by dermatologists.

Reuters Health recently reported about a study of 10 patients undergoing Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. the skin cancers were located in highly visible locations such as the face, neck and arms.

After removing the lesions, dermatologists treated the edges of the wound with a fractional carbon dioxide laser. To determine the effectiveness of the laser treatment, only half of the wound edges were treated each time. the physicians then closed the wounds using absorbable sutures and adhesive.

Positive results were demonstrated on the laser treated portions. Medscape.com reports:

At the two- to three-month follow-up visit, nine of the ten patients felt the laser-treated side of the wound was cosmetically superior to the untreated side. They also thought the laser-treated sides were significantly better with regard to elevation, discoloration and erythema.

Despite the advancements in skin cancer treatent, scarring remains a concern for patients. part of the problem is the tendency for skin cancer to appear on highly visible areas of the body, including the neck and face. Therefore, an effective method for minimizing scars should be seriously examined by dermatologists and surgeons.

If the results are validated, Dr. David Ozog claims that the treatment could “change the current approach in all surgical disciplines.” Dr. Ozog and Dr. Ronald Moy are reportedly continuing to study the treatment, with a larger, multi-center study in the works.

Read more about this study on Medscape, or view our website to find out more about laser treatments in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Laser Treatment Shown to Reduce Skin Cancer Removal Scars