Skin Cancer Screening/Mole Exam

Full-body skin exams are an important tool in screening patients for benign or cancerous lesions that they may not have been able to see or recognize on their own. From head to toe and back to front, we inspect the skin for any suspicious growths. This quick and painless preventive measure is an invaluable tool in the early detection of skin cancer as well as many other dermatological conditions.

Moles and other birthmarks are benign pigmented spots or patches of skin that range in color from tan, brown and black (moles) to red, pink or purple (vascular lesions, such as strawberry hemangiomas or port wine stains). Though most birthmarks are harmless, they may develop into cancer. Moles exhibiting any of the following warning signs should be examined by a professional immediately:

• Larger than six millimeters
• Itches or bleeds
• Rapidly changes in color, size or shape
• Has multiple colors
• Is located where it can’t be easily monitored, such as on the scalp

Depending on their depth, location and color, as well as the patient’s skin type, age and other factors, treatment for benign but unattractive birthmarks may take the form of laser or pulsed light therapy, microdermabrasion or surgical excision.

MOHS Skin Cancer Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most advanced technique for the treatment of skin cancer offering the highest cure rate for basal and squamous cell carcinomas. It can also be used for the treatment of malignant melanoma. It involves the systematic removal and analysis of thin layers of skin at the location of the skin cancer until the last traces of cancerous tissue have been eliminated. The immediate and complete microscopic examination and evaluation of excised tissue is what differentiates Mohs surgery from other cancer removal procedures. Only cancerous tissue is removed, minimizing both post-operative wound size and the chance of regrowth. This allows for the best cosmetic surgical reconstruction with minimal scarring or change in your appearance. High precision makes Mohs surgery ideal for the elimination of cancers in cosmetically important areas such as the face (nose, eyelids, lips, hairline), hands, feet and genitals. The procedure is performed by Dr. Maragh in the office based Surgery Center on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

Acne & Rash Evaluations

Acne is the term for the blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that can appear typically on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Seventeen million Americans currently have acne, making it the most common skin disease in the country. The Center offers a variety of treatments for acne and acne scarring including prescription medications, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, IPL, and laser.

A rash is a change in the skin’s color or texture. Simple rashes are called dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Other common rashes include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, shingles, chicken pox, measles, scarlet fever, insect bites and those caused by medical conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Maragh will examine your skin condition and recommend the proper treatments available.

Scar Revision

Scarring can be treated in a variety of ways including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, soft tissue fillers and laser/pulsed light treatments.