Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States according to Skin Cancer Foundation. More than 500,000 new cases are reported each year-and the incidence is rising faster than any other type of cancer. While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous.

The most common skin cancers are:

1. Basal cell carcinoma - 80-85% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma - 10% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma affects cells in the middle layer of the epidermis.
3. Melanoma - 5% of all skin cancers. Melanoma is a rare but very dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Surgical excision which is used to treat all types of skin cancers, offers results that are both medically and cosmetically pleasing 

 In the instances when the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, in our outpatient facility, using local anesthesia. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. There are certain instances when curettage and desiccation methods may be performed instead. In these procedures the cancer is scraped out with an electric current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells. This leaves a slightly larger, white scar. In either case, the risks of the surgery are low.

In the instances when the cancer is large, however, or if it has spread to the lymph glands or elsewhere in the body, major surgery may be required. Other possible treatments for skin cancer include cryosurgery (freezing the cancer cells), radiation therapy (using x-rays), topical chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs applied to the skin), and Laser surgery

After you've been treated for skin cancer, Dr.Geroulis will schedule regular follow-up visits to make sure the cancer hasn't recurred.

Although Dr.Geroulis can't prevent a recurrence of skin cancer, he will educate you in preventative measures in order to reduce your risks by changing old habits and developing new ones. Some of the examples of what will be covered in these preventative sessions is listed below:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m. and during the summer months. Remember, ultraviolet rays pass right through water and clouds, and reflect off sand and snow.
• When you do go out for an extended period of time, wear protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats and long sleeves.
• On any exposed skin, use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Reapply it frequently, especially after you've been swimming or sweating.
• Finally, examine your skin regularly. If you find anything suspicious, consult a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist as soon as possible.