From skin cancer treatments to benign lesion treatments—comprehensive surgical dermatology that restores your skin's health and your peace of mind.
As the single most common type of cancer in the United States, most cases of skin cancer are a result of excessive sunlight exposure or use of tanning beds. The three most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
Our doctors will first biopsy a lesion suspicious for cancer using local anesthesia and sampling the lesion. Once the skin specimen is sent to a laboratory, a trained dermatopathologist will examine it under a microscope.
If the presence of cancer cells is confirmed, our dermatologists will recommend a customized solution to you based on the type of skin cancer that you suffer from, your medical history, and the area of infection.
Surgical excision is the most common recommended solution for skin cancer removal. Excision is performed within a surgical suite using local anesthesia.
Other possible surgical solutions include:
- ED & C (electrodessication and curettage)
- Mohs surgery
- Cryotherapy.
Some medications could also be prescribed in some circumstances in addition to surgery.
We start with a thorough evaluation to understand your concerns and overall health. From there, we create a personalized treatment.
We provide long-term management support so you can maintain healthy skin and a better quality of life.
Actinic keratoses
Actinic keratoses or AKs are found on the surface layer of the skin. Constant exposure to the sun causes these lesions. They can form anywhere on your skin that has seen a lot of sun. The most common places to find AKs are the face, hands, neck, and arms.
It possible for some of these lesions to turn into squamous cell carcinomas. If this happens, removal is the best option. Our doctors will examine your lesions and then discuss your best treatment options. These options may include different creams to destroy the lesions.
Melanoma
A deadly form of skin cancer is called melanoma. When the skin cells that make melanin don’t act normal and turn cancerous, then skin cancer is born. A common sign is a mole that changes. If you have a mole that changes over some time or starts bleeding, it needs to be examined immediately.
A dermatologist will examine the lesion and decide if a biopsy is needed or if removal is best. If the cancer is in the later stages, you may need chemotherapy or radiation to kill the cancer cells.
Moles and Brown Spots
Brown spots on the skin may be a mole, freckles, or skin cancer. These spots should be examined by a dermatologist regularly. Changing moles could be a sign of skin cancer.
To catch it early, a dermatologist needs to examine them. Moles or brown spots can be removed if you decide you don’t like them. The older you get, the longer you have been exposed to the sun, and the more brown spots will develop on your skin.
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What are the different types of skin cancer?
The three most common types of skin cancer are:
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
Our doctors diagnose skin cancer through a biopsy. Using local anesthesia, we sample the suspicious lesion and send the skin specimen to a laboratory where a trained dermatopathologist examines it under a microscope. If cancer cells are confirmed, we'll discuss treatment options with you.
What should I look for when checking my skin?
Look for the ABCDEs of melanoma:
Also watch for sores that don't heal, new growths, or any spots that look different from others on your body.
How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
Most adults should have an annual full body skin exam. If you have a history of skin cancer, numerous moles, significant sun exposure, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma, you may need more frequent screenings. Our doctors will provide personalized recommendations based on your risk factors.
What treatment options are available for skin cancer?
Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its location, size, and depth, as well as your medical history. Our dermatologists will recommend a customized solution based on your specific situation. Common treatment options include:
What is surgical excision?
Surgical excision is the most common treatment for skin cancer removal. The procedure is performed in our surgical suite using local anesthesia. The cancerous tissue is removed along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. The site is then closed with stitches, and the removed tissue is sent to a lab for analysis.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique used for certain skin cancers, particularly those on the face or in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. The surgeon removes thin layers of tissue one at a time and examines each layer under a microscope until all cancer cells are removed. This technique offers the highest cure rate while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue.
What is electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C)?
ED&C is a treatment method where the cancerous tissue is scraped away with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument) and then the area is treated with an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells and stop bleeding. This method is often used for small, superficial skin cancers.
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy involves freezing the cancerous tissue with liquid nitrogen, causing the abnormal cells to die and eventually fall off. This treatment is typically used for pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) and some very superficial skin cancers.
Can medications treat skin cancer?
In some circumstances, topical medications or other prescription treatments may be used in addition to or instead of surgery, particularly for pre-cancerous lesions or very superficial skin cancers. Your dermatologist will discuss whether medication is appropriate for your specific case.
Is skin cancer treatment painful?
Most skin cancer treatments are performed using local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort during the numbing injection and some soreness afterward, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does recovery take after skin cancer removal?
Recovery time varies depending on the treatment method and location. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though you may need to avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks. Surgical sites typically heal within 2-4 weeks. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your procedure.
How can I prevent skin cancer from recurring?
Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing and hats, avoiding tanning beds, and performing regular self-exams. Schedule annual skin cancer screenings with your dermatologist for early detection.
Identify suspicious moles and lesions in their earliest stages when skin cancer is most treatable, significantly improving outcomes and potentially saving lives.
Discover skin conditions you may have missed, including pre-cancerous lesions, unusual rashes, and growths that require monitoring or treatment.
Receive customized recommendations for sun protection, self-examination techniques, and screening frequency based on your unique risk factors and skin type.
"Dr. Alvarez is a conscientious and compassionate physician. My family and I have been seeing him for 8+ years and I’ve referred him to family and friends alike.
Everyone is always pleased with the referral and the care they receive."
- V.R.
"Dr. Alvarez is incredible - by far my favorite doctor. He has helped me with a multitude of issues - advocating to my insurance for necessary care and offering me options for everything.
He and his team are dedicated to giving excellent, welcoming, quality care - and they have great views from their office."
- B.G
"Dr. Karp is truly amazing! When I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. She's knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident in her care.
I actually came to see her when my regular dermatologist couldn't get me in, but honestly, I won't be going back. Her exceptional care and welcoming demeanor have won me over completely. "
- K.P
