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Itchy, Irritated Skin? Find Relief That Works

I suffer from dry, itchy skin that keeps me from going outdoors. No matter what I use or apply on my skin, my symptoms won't go away and seem to get worse whenever I go out in the sun. One day, I talked to my regular doctor about my skin condition. The doctor referred me to a dermatologist for treatment. It was a big relief to find someone who can really help. The dermatologist examined my skin and asked me questions about my diet, lifestyle and habits. I actually caused my skin problems by what I do each day. After making big changes in my life and getting the right skin treatment, I now live a full life. If you need help for your skin condition that really works, read my blog. You'll find information about skin conditions and their treatments, as well as where to go for help.

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Itchy, Irritated Skin? Find Relief That Works

Skin Cancer 101: What Causes It And How Do You Treat It

by Andy Hopkins

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that if caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Various treatment options are available, depending on the specific type and stage of skin cancer. One option is MOHS micrographic surgery. Here's what you need to know.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Several factors contribute to the development of skin cancer, including exposure to UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning beds and a history of excessive sun exposure. There are also a number of genetic risk factors that increase your risk of skin cancer, including:

  • Fair skin
  • Blonde or red hair
  • Freckles
  • Blue eyes
  • Burn easily
  • Burn instead of tan
  • Weakened immune system

It is important to note that anyone can get skin cancer. It is not limited to the genetic factors above. Additionally, there are also certain risk factors you can control, such as wearing sunscreen on a regular basis, avoiding prolonged periods in the sun without protection, and never using a tanning bed.

What Is MOHS Micrographic Surgery?

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, MOHS micrographic surgery is often an option for treatment. It is a specialized treatment option for skin cancer that involves removing very thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time. This allows your doctor to examine each layer under a microscope before proceeding with further treatment, helping ensure the complete removal of all cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue.

MOHS micrographic surgery aims to remove the entire tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, allowing the best chances for healing and minimizing scarring. This type of surgery is often used for difficult-to-treat skin cancers, such as those that are large or located in visible areas.

MOHS micrographic surgery is performed in stages. During the first stage, the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue from the tumor area. This tissue is then examined under a microscope to determine if all of the cancer cells have been removed. If cancer cells are still present, additional stages may be necessary.

The precision of the MOHS micrographic surgery leads to a high success rate, with up to 99 percent of patients successfully treated.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, your doctor may recommend a MOHS micrographic procedure as a treatment option. Understand this is a viable option to remove all the cancer with as little scarring as possible.

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