Melanoma

Also called "malignant melanoma," this skin cancer which originates from the pigment cells in the skin is easily treated when it is caught early but can be deadly when diagnosis and treatment has been delayed. If you have many moles or a family history of melanoma, these cancers can be caught early by regular skin checks by your dermatologist, as well as monthly self-examinations at home using the ABCDE criteria see www.skincancer.org. Our fellowship-trained surgeons are experts in the management of melanoma, including surgical removal and wound reconstruction.

Basal cell carcinoma:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans and is caused by lifelong sun-exposure, fair skin, and hereditary disposition. While rarely life-threatening, if untreated these tumors continue to grow larger and deeper, and can eventually invade into important structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and even bone. When this type of cancer is found on the face and ears, the best treatment is usually Mohs micrographic surgery, which will provide the possibility for the highest chance of cure while leaving as small a scar as possible. Skin cancers in these areas require the care of an expert surgeon.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer. It arises from the squamous cells which form most of the top layer of the skin. Like basal cell carcinoma, it is most commonly found in sun-exposed sites, but can arise in any location of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma has a low risk of spreading to other areas of the body, however certain cases have a slightly higher risk. The treatment is similar to the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Other rare tumors

Apart from basal and squamous cell carcinomas, there are many more rare nonmelanoma skin cancers. With a fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery and oncology, Dr. Fife is an expert in the treatment of these rare tumors of the skin, which include cancers such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP, atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX), microcystic adnexal carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and porocarcinoma, among others. Many of these unusual tumors are best treated with Mohs micrographic surgery; however, others may be treated with standard surgery or occasionally referral to another specialist. http://surgical-dermatology.com/