South Shore Skin Center and Spa providers alert South Shore and Plymouth county residents of the growing number of skin cancer cases in the area and urge precaution.
At the free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic held at Jordan Hospital Club Cancer Center (held in May, which is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month), Ramzi W. Saad, M.D., board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Spa discovered two potential cases of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer and 15 cases of basal cell carcinoma.
According to Dr. Saad, “The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in this area. During a free screening we held last year, we found four cases of melanoma. At this year’s screening we found two potential cases of melanoma along with a surprising 15 basal cell cases, which is evidence many people still are not taking the proper precautions against UV exposure. Sunscreen must be worn daily and tanning booths/beds should be avoided at all costs.”
He continued, “Melanoma can quickly spread to organs and other areas of the body. Early detection is imperative. Basal cell carcinoma is a less aggressive form of skin cancer that does not typically spread throughout the body, but can cause disfigurement if it is near the nose, eye or ear.”
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is often recommended in the treatment of skin cancer.
Dr. Saad explained, “Mohs Micrographic Surgery is special skin cancer surgery that is very precise and removes the least amount of tissue to rid the cancer with the highest cure rates – in particular near the eyes, nose, lips, fingers and toes. This type of surgery is used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as melanoma. It is ideal for instances of recurring cancer, large or ill-defined areas of cancer and areas where growth is rapid.”
The skin cancer screenings that were conducted at the clinic included an assessment of sun spots and moles. Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, founder and Executive Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation (based in Hingham) was on hand with the skin analyzer, which shows UV-damage to the skin that is not visible to the naked eye. Patients were also provided with sun safety and melanoma prevention tips. The free screening was supported by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society.
South Shore Skin Center and Spa’s physicians remind adults and children to follow these important measures in the prevention of skin cancer:
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths/beds.
Use ample amounts of sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even if it is cloudy.
Wear protective clothing and large framed or wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eye area.
Have your skin checked by a dermatologist regularly.
Note any moles or other spots on the skin that have changed. Have them checked by a physician as soon as possible.
About South Shore Skin Center and Spa
South Shore Skin Center and Spa is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center and Spa is a unique team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, surgical assistants, and licensed aestheticians who are all specialists in dermatology and share a passion for excellence and a commitment to providing the highest level of care to both children and adults in the greater Boston area.
The practice has an on-site skin cancer treatment center at One Scobee Medical building in Plymouth. The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center provides state-of-the-art treatment, early detection and prevention strategies for skin cancer and is led by Richard F. Eisen, M.D., board certified dermatologist and trained Mohs Micrographic surgeon.
South Shore Skin Center and Spa has been awarded South Shore Living’s Best of the South Shore in 2011 and 2012. South Shore Skin Center and Spa is located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3, in Plymouth, Mass. (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202, in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.
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