Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery
Dermatologists located in Tulsa, OK
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer increased by 77% between 1994 and 2014, while malignant melanoma cases increased by 53% from 2008 to 2018. Regular skin cancer screenings at Southside Dermatology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, catch skin cancer at early, treatable stages. Robert Fischer, MD, co-founder of Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery, is expert in a highly effective, specialized treatment called Mohs surgery. If you live in the Tulsa area, keep yourself and your family safe by booking regular skin cancer screenings at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery. Use the online form or callSouthside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery’s friendly staff.
Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment
What is skin cancer screening?
The board-certified dermatologists at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery recommend yearly skin cancer screenings for all members of your family to detect early changes that could be a sign of skin cancer. During your skin cancer screening, your dermatologist visually inspects your entire face and body, including:
- Between your fingers
- Between your toes
- Palms of hands
- Soles of feet
- Scalp
- Behind ears
- Between buttocks
Regular skin cancer screenings are especially important if you’re fair-skinned, use tanning beds, or have had a sunburn in the past.
What do dermatologists look for during a skin cancer screening?
Dermatologists look for changes in your skin color and texture or changes in moles that may indicate the presence of cancerous cells. You should also check for these changes yourself, between medical screenings. Look for the following ABCDE signs:
A — asymmetrical lesions (halves don’t match)
B — borders of moles or lesions that look ragged, scalloped, or notched
C — color of moles are different shades of brown or black, or are red, blue, or white
D — diameter of a lesion is bigger than that of a pencil eraser
E — evolving shape, size, or texture
Other signs that a mole or lesion may be cancerous include:
- Bleeding
- Oozing
- Crusting
- Itching
- Pain
If you notice any changes in your moles or lesions, contact Dr. Fischer right away.
What kinds of skin cancer are there?
Skin cancer comes in several forms. During your screening, your dermatologist looks for:
- Actinic keratosis — dry, scaly, precancerous growth
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — flesh-colored or pink bump or patch
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — firm red bump, scaly patch, or sore that keeps recurring
- Melanoma — develops from a mole or appears as a dark spot
The most common type of skin cancer is BCC. The most deadly is melanoma, which can metastasize to other areas. All skin cancers and precancerous lesions should be treated immediately.
What is skin cancer treatment?
If your dermatologist finds a cancerous or precancerous lesion, they remove it with surgery. Dr. Fischer is trained in a highly specialized surgery called Mohs micrographic surgery that has up to a 99% cure rate for skin cancer.
If it’s time for your annual skin cancer screening, or if you notice a suspicious lesion or mole, book an appointment at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery by phone or use the online form.
Need skin cancer screening and treatments? Call Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery,
in Tulsa, OK, at (918) 760-0700 to book an appointment!