Here at the Skin Cancer Center of Northern Virginia, it is our goal to provide you with the best experience you have ever had with the medical community. We focus on providing excellent medical care in a friendly and comfortable environment. Our services include:
Regular complete skin exams by a dermatologist together with routine
self examinations are the best way to detect skin cancer at its
earliest stage where it is still very easy to treat.
When needed, skin biopsies, including shave biopsies, punch biopsies,
and excisional biopsies will be performed. These procedures can
often be performed at the time of a regular office visit.
Moles that are suspicious for melanoma as well as moles which need
to be removed for other reasons can be removed surgically. This
procedure is typically performed in the office, but due to space
and time constraints, this will usually be scheduled for a future
date.
All skin biopsies and specimens that are performed and sent out
will be evaluated by a qualified dermatopathologista pathologist
who specializes in diagnosing disorders of the skin.
Skin cancers can be removed surgically in the office. Our staff
is specialized in several techniques for removing skin cancer, including:
Mohs micrographic surgery, standard surgical excision, and electrodessication
and curettage. When appropriate, non-surgical treatments of skin
cancer will also be discussed, including radiation, cryotherapy,
and topical chemotherapy.
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique for removing skin cancer.
It provides the highest cure rate of any treatment available today
for skin cancer. Additionally, because it limits the amount of healthy
skin that is removed, it provides the best cosmetic result. Learn
more about Mohs surgery.
After a skin cancer is removed with the Mohs surgery technique,
our staff is well trained to repair the resulting wound. Sometimes
this includes reconstructive surgery.
When necessary, scar revision and dermabrasion can be performed
to enhance the appearance of a scar resulting from surgery.
Cryotherapy or "freezing" with liquid nitrogen is an effective
way to treat several skin conditions, including Actinic Keratoses
which are commonly known as "pre-skin cancers".
Modern technology is producing several new methods of dealing with
skin cancer. Nonsurgical treatments can include topical chemotherapy
or immunotherapy. These options are only appropriate for certain
tumor subtypes, but can be an excellent treatment option when indicated.
Patients are instructed on how to perform a good self-examination
of the skin. This includes knowing the early signs of skin cancer,
so that patients know what to look for.
Dr. Todd enjoys speaking to various groups about how to detect skin
cancer early, how to treat it, and how to prevent skin cancer, including
sun protection. Contact our office to learn more or to schedule
a speaking engagement.
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