Skin Cancer Screenings

The most important aspect in detecting skin cancer is a thorough visual examination of your skin from your scalp to the bottom of your feet.

There are many types of skin cancer. The majority of these are caused by sun damage we received by the time we were in our late teenage years. It is important to realize skin cancer is not always obvious, unless for example you have a spot that either bleeds or is not healing. A dermatologist is trained to look for subtle findings, in order to detect skin cancer at the earliest possible stage and recommend appropriate treatment.

Often people may think “how bad can skin cancer be since it is only on the skin?” The fact is some skin cancers can spread to other parts of the body and cause harm. Therefore, early detection and treatment is extremely important. Learn more about skin cancers with the below links:

The proper choice of treatment for a particular skin cancer is also important in determining your highest cure rate. Treatments range from various types of surgical procedures, including microscopically controlled surgery (Mohs surgery) to other methods that adhere to the guidelines of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Routine followup full skin exams are an integral part of your continuing care, to monitor for recurrence of skin cancers and check for any new skin cancers. These followup exams should be individualized to the patient based upon an analysis of their family history and past/present Dermatological History. Click here to learn more about Mohs Surgery.

Excision, shaving and biopsy

These procedures are standard and relatively quick. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area for each procedure to remove the questionable skin for testing. After an evaluation, an excision, shaving or biopsy may be performed.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing a skin cancer one layer at a time then immediately examining these layers. This procedure allows a minimal amount of tissue to be removed while ensuring complete removal of all the cancer cells after a close examination of each layer of skin. Mohs micrographic surgery is the best procedure to preserve skin tissue surrounding the cancer but it requires special training and equipment and is time-consuming.

Dr. Grevey has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and is recognized in the community as an expert in his field. Dr. Grevey is one of only a handful of Mohs surgeons in Cincinnati.

Learn more about Mohs Micrographic Surgery.