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Skin Cancer

 Jane H. Lisko, MD -  - Board-Certified Dermatologist

Jane H. Lisko, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist located in Eden Prairie, MN & Fridley, MN

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and since it’s the only organ you can see, checking yourself regularly for signs of skin cancer is essential. At the office of Dr. Jane H. Lisko, MD, you can meet with Dr. Lisko, who’s a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating skin cancer. Dr. Lisko performs comprehensive skin cancer screenings at her offices in Eden Prairie and Fridley, Minnesota. Book your skin cancer exam either online or over the phone at the location nearest you.

Skin Cancer Q & A

What are the different types of skin cancer?

Cancerous growths occur when your skin cells develop abnormally and out of control. Skin cancer falls into four general categories, each one described below.

Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly patches that are precancerous growths. They tend to develop on areas that have years of sun exposure, like your head, hands, and forearms. If left untreated, actinic keratoses can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma — the most common type of skin cancer — surfaces as flesh-colored or pearl bumps. This type of skin cancer is most commonly linked to years of sun exposure or indoor tanning bed use.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma — the second most common form of skin cancer — look like red, scaly bumps or patches. They can also surface as sores that heal and then re-open on an ongoing basis. Not only do squamous cell carcinomas tend to develop on sun-exposed areas, but they also grow deep and can lead to disfigurement, if left untreated.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. This type of cancer most commonly develops in moles or surfaces as a new dark spot in a short amount of time.

Are there symptoms of skin cancer?

Yes. When it comes to skin cancer, it’s important to remember the acronym ABCDE to determine if you have an abnormal growth that could be cancerous. While performing skin cancer screenings, Dr. Lisko teaches you about symptoms of abnormal moles using ABCDE:

  • Asymmetrical shapes
  • Borders that are irregular
  • Colors that vary or change
  • Diameters larger than a pencil eraser
  • Evolving mole shapes, sizes, or colors

 

Aside from these skin cancer signs and symptoms, it’s important to be aware of any new growths that surface, especially if they pop up quickly. Dr. Lisko can remove any moles or growths that are suspicious, send your specimen off to the lab, then get you started on skin cancer treatment (if needed).

How is skin cancer treated?

Treating skin cancer depends on which type of cancerous growth you have and whether or not it has spread. Your skin cancer treatment plan from the office of Dr. Jane H. Lisko, MD, may include:

  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation
  • Freezing medicine (cryosurgery)
  • Radiation or chemotherapy
  • Excisional surgery

 

Not only is Dr. Lisko a board-certified dermatologist, but she’s also a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. Mohs micrographic surgery involves precisely removing cancerous growths, layer by layer, and evaluating your tissue under a microscope each time. Dr. Lisko continues removing tissues until your specimens are entirely free of cancerous cells.

Mohs surgery is the gold-standard treatment for difficult or recurring skin cancers, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas. In any case, Dr. Lisko works diligently to ensure your current skin cancer is under control, while also teaching you how to prevent further issues.  

Book your skin cancer examination at the office of Dr. Jane H. Lisko, MD, today. Request an appointment online, or call your nearest office directly.