When a skin cancer on the face needs to be removed, the single best choice is almost always Mohs Surgery. This special type of surgery, which can only done by dermatologists, allows for tumors to be completely removed while only removing as much tissue as is actually required.
Dermatologists have a few tools in their medical bag when it comes to solving the mystery of lesions on the body. Sometimes there is confusion as to why one type of biopsy is used over another. (In fact, today’s post was inspired by to a curious patient!) So, what’s the deal with biopsies? There […]
1. Tanning is ok if I don’t get burned. Myth Blistering sunburns are a well-known melanoma risk factor. Somehow, this has led to claims that tanning without burning is safe. But just like unicorns, “safe” tanning is a myth. Cumulative sun exposure, whether a burn develops or not, is also a melanoma risk factor, as […]
You don’t have to give up vacations in Hawaii or fear the outdoor activities that you enjoy. You simply need to take precautions to protect yourself. Realistically, I don’t expect anyone to be perfect and have been burned myself, but these measures WILL make a difference that translates into a decreased risk of skin cancer.
Redheads are increased risk of melanoma and new evidence shows that is the very production of their red pigment that is to blame.
Miller Family Dermatology will be offering free skin cancer screening examinations between 4 and 7 PM on Monday, May 6th in honor of Melanoma Monday®
Sometimes when patients ask me if they need to avoid the sun because they’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer, I tell them in a somewhat joking tone “Sunscreen works”. We tested this on a recent family vacation to Hawaii. We stayed at a hotel that has its own beach and spent 3-5 hours on the beach or in the pool everyday. None of us got burned. None of us even got a tan! We had a lot of fun and have no worries that we’ve increased our risk or our kids’ risk of skin cancer.
You can’t get Vitamin D from the Sun in Seattle all winter long because the UV index is too low. What should you do instead?
What you should know about the new sunscreen rules taking effect in Dec 2012
Life is busy. We all have commitments that dominate our time: project deadlines, work meetings, social outings, PTA, orthodontic appointments for the kids, vet visits for the pets… the list goes on and on. A skin check just feels like one more thing to add to the list. Is it really worth the interruption to […]
