Skin Cancer Maryland
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
The vast majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cells carcinomas.
More than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year.
What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers?
They usually start in the basal cells or squamous cells, which is how they get their names. These cells are found at the base of the outer layer of the skin.
Most basal and squamous cell cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, like the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing.
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are malignant and can spread to other parts of the body. While not often fatal, these non-melanoma skin cancers can be extremely destructive and disfiguring if not detected and treated early.
Mid-Atlantic Skin offers two of the most effective skin cancer treatments available:
Dr. George Verghese helps patients determine the most appropriate treatment based on various criteria including the type of skin cancer and its location on the body.
Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancers, affecting more than one million Americans every year.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Skin cancers are generally curable if caught early.
However, people who have had skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing a new skin cancer, which is why regular self-examination and doctor visits are imperative.
Skin Cancer & Melanoma Therapy in Maryland
Mid-Atlantic Skin brings together patients and expert dermatology to Maryland to offer state-of-the-art treatments along with access to the latest investigational agents.
Our cancer treatment team excels in providing patients with customized recommendations for therapy most appropriate for their condition and stage of disease.
According to statistics released by the American Cancer Society, approximately 70,000 new cases of the skin cancer disease were diagnosed in 2009 with almost 10,000 estimated deaths.
At Mid-Atlantic Skin of Maryland, which has locations in Leonardtown, Hollywood and Waldorf, MD, we work diligently to reduce these numbers.
Dr. Verghese heads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to ensuring unsurpassed care to each patient. With a disease that has few established therapeutic options, we offer the possibility of innovative therapies, coupled with the extended options.
Experts in Melanoma & Skin Cancer Maryland
Education and experience is crucial when dealing with aggressive skin cancers like melanoma. Dr. Verghese is an expert cancer surgeon who brings patients together in a clinical setting offering state-of-the-art treatments like the Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT).
With access to the latest technology, Dr. Verghese is a leading skin cancer specialist in Maryland. Mid-Atlantic Skin is an elite center of academic and skin cancer treatments.
Our physicians excel in guiding patients with individualized recommendations for therapy most appropriate for their condition and stage of disease.
Skin Cancers in Maryland
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are many types of skin cancers. They are classified as melanomas or non-melanomas.
Melanomas begin in the melanocytes cells, these cells in skin that produce color are damaged. Melanoma can spread extremely quickly to other parts of the body and face. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer in the world today.
Non-melanomas originate in skin cells other than melanocytes. Non-melanomas are less aggressive and rarely spread.
Exposure to the heavy volumes of ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun and a history of sunburns are the primary causes of most skin cancers.
In some cases, skin cancer can be prevented by sunscreens. Skin cancer that is detected and treated early is very manageable and even curable.
It is critical to have regular skin and mole checks, annually, by a dermatological. Untreated skin cancer can cause disfigurement, spread to other parts of the body, and cause death.
Melanoma in Maryland
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer in the world. It occurs when the melanocytes in the skin grow abnormally aggressive and out of control.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or history of sunburns will contribute to the development of melanoma. Researchers are finding that some people may inherit genes that lead to melanoma formation as well.
Melanomas that are small, shallow in structure, detected early, and treated early have very good cure rates.
Untreated melanomas are very aggressive, fast growing, and have the capacity to spread very quickly. This cancer can spread throughout the entire body resulting in life-threatening complications and death.
How Do We Treat Skin Cancer in Maryland?
The Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) cancer program, is operated by Dr. Verghese and his expert medical team.
Many patients are treated at Mid-Atlantic Skin Cancer Surgery Center in Maryland; the program serves as a resource for patients and their families throughout Southern Maryaland.
SRT is a specialized form of radiation treatment that utilizes a precisely focused beam of radiation to treat a small, defined, targeted lesions on the face and body, while safely minimizing exposure to the outside of the skin.
Our treatment technique utilizes a modified linear accelerator technology. Depending on the clinical condition of your skin lesion, either a single large dose of radiation (single fraction SRT or radiosurgery) or multiple mini doses over a five-to-six week period (fractionated SRT) are administered to cure skin cancer in Maryland.