Every year, more than two million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer, the most common form of cancer. About 20% of all Americans will develop skin cancer at least once in their lives. It is, frankly, foolish not to treat skin cancers. The survival rates, with treatment, have increased dramatically. While approximately 10,000 people die yearly from melanomas, the survival rate has increased from 49% during the 1950s to 92% today. Most melanomas are directly attributable to UV radiation from the sun.
Mohs micrographic surgery, photodynamic therapy (PDT), excision and radiation therapy are some of the treatments used in specific clinical situations to treat basal cell carcinoma. The National Cancer Institute reports that the 85-95% of patients who have been treated will not have the cancer reoccur. Doctors practicing Dermatology in St. Paul, MN and elsewhere should be consulted if skin cancer is suspected.
The sun is also primarily responsible for skin aging – wrinkles, leathery skin and lack of suppleness. Daily use of sunscreen can help prevent the skin from ‘aging’ too soon. Some people believe that people get most of their lifetime’s exposure to the sun before they are 18. This is not true and should not be used to rationalize lack of proper skin care.
Academic Dermatology -; Cutaneous Surgery & Laser Center offers a variety of cosmetic and medical services concerning Dermatology in St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN. The practice provides treatments for many skin problems, including aging skin, scars – including acne scarring, varicose veins and broken blood vessels and laser hair removal. Dr. Tope also treats patients with skin cancer and other skin conditions. Among other treatment methods offered are Mohs micrographic surgery and photodynamic therapy.
Whitney D. Tope, MPhil, MD, graduated in 1988 from Duke University School of Medicine. He also earned a Master of Philosophy degree in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge in the UK. Dr. Tope completed residencies in general internal medicine and dermatology. His education and training continued with fellowships Advanced Dermatologic Surgery and in Clinical and Research Laser studies. Between 1996 and 2006, he practiced academic dermatology at the University of Minnesota and the University of California – San Francisco, training others in dermatologic surgery. Dr. Tope then returned to the Twin Cities, opening his own practice in 2009. In addition to being a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Tope belongs to a number of professional associations.
