Posts by Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist
Excision
Excision The tumor along with a margin of normal appearing skin is marked with a sterile marking pen. The area is numbed with lidocaine (Xylocaine) and adrenaline using tiny needles. The tumor is cut out with a scalpel and almost always stitched together. The removed skin is sent to a laboratory and examined to ensure…
Read MoreElectrodesiccation and Curettage
Electrodesiccation and Curettage The area is numbed using a tiny needle. The tumor is scraped out using a sharp instrument, called a curette (see photo below), and the base of the wound is burned using an electrical instrument called a Hyfrecator (see photo below), or, less commonly, with a laser. After the treatment, an open…
Read MoreMohs’ Micrographic Surgery
Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery is a highly specialized method of removing and examining cancerous tissue to ensure its removal. Frederic Mohs first invented this procedure, which is named after him. For the most common forms of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), this procedure has the highest cure rate (least…
Read MoreMalignant melanoma
Nearly all melanomas are treated surgically, by cutting the tumor out. Depending upon the thickness (how deep the tumor goes into the skin), staging procedures may be recommended and may include: chest x-ray, CT-scan, PET scan, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and blood tests. Treatment of metastatic disease (that which has already spread to the lymph…
Read MoreBasal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. This tumor is not life threatening, except in the rarest of circumstances when tumors go untreated for decades. For most, basal cell carcinoma grows slowly over years, and appears as a pimple-like growth that bleeds, heals, and re-bleeds. If untreated, basal cell carcinoma my…
Read MoreSquamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer that is caused by ultraviolet rays (sunshine), arsenic ingestion, some wart viruses (human papilloma virus), and radiation. Although uncommon, this tumor does have the potential to metastasize (spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs) and can be fatal. Tumors…
Read MoreSkin Cancer
Skin Cancer Information Skin Cancer Dr. Bader specializes in the detection and treatment of skin cancer. As the incidence of malignant melanoma is risking in epidemic proportions, our office offers full body skin examinations to all patients, although these must be requested and scheduled in advance of one’s appointment. It is recommended that all patients…
Read MoreActinic Keratosis (Pre-Cancer)
Actinic keratosis (AK or Solar Keratosis) is the most common precancerous condition affecting the skin. In nearly all cases, these lesions form on skin that has been damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning beds. Do I have to treat these lesions? If left untreated, these precancerous lesions may…
Read MoreFL – VACCINE FOR ALL STARTS SOON!
Governor Ron DeSantis announced new eligibility guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida this week. Beginning Monday, March 29, all individuals age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Floridians are encouraged to pre-register at www.myvaccine.fl.gov.…
Read MoreNEW ACNE MEDICATIONS: ARE THEY WORTH IT?
With over one thousand medications available, how do we choose which to use? There are newer medications that come out every few years with some benefits and usually one major disadvantage–cost! Trifarotene: A new topical retinoid to help with clogged pores. This topical product works much faster than other products, which is the major advantage.…
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