Surgical Care

Dr. Dy specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of many skin cancers including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. As a dermatopathologist, Dr. Dy examines the tissue sample under the microscope for cellular changes and decides with the patient the most effective treatment to eliminate the cancer. Dy Dermatology Center offers in-office surgical procedure for removal of skin cancers and any skin growths.

Skin Cancers

Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color and age. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

The most common form of skin cancer is Basal cell carcinoma . Once basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed, the risk of developing a second basal cell carcinoma within five years is 50%. The second most common skin cancer is Squamous cell Carcinoma. Approximately 40 – 60 % of squamous cell carcinoma arises from actinic keratosis (AK). This means that actinic keratosis are of concern to the patients and dermatologists because they are pre-cancers that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

Any of the skin cancers can present as a red bump, patch or a bleeding, non-healing sore. Actinic keratosis typically present as a scaly red patch that can feel tender or sensitive to the touch. Cryosurgery, which involves freezing of the skin is usually used to treat actinic keratosis. Topical based therapies in combination with laser resurfacing or medical grade chemical peels may also be used to reduce the burden of actinic keratosis and ultimately decrease the risk of actinic keratosis transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. Surgery, however, is the primary treatment for most skin cancers. Dr. Dy will discuss and recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Sunblock use, proper photoprotection and regular full skin examinations are critical to preventing the development of any skin cancers. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone undergo a total body skin exam annually.

Skin cancer surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for most skin cancers. For patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, Dr. Dy may perform an in-office outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic. During the procedure, the cancer cells are removed, along with a small amount of surrounding skin, known as the margin. The exact size of the margin is determined by the type, location and size of the skin cancer. Dr. Dy personally evaluates the excised tissue under the microscope to ensure that there are no tumor cells remaining in the skin. Dr. Dy’s purpose in these procedures is to remove the tumor while leaving the most minimally detectable scar.

For skin cancers that have not spread, surgery may be performed to remove the entire tumor, and no other treatment may be needed. More aggressive skin cancers such as melanoma may require more extensive surgeries.

With any skin cancers, Dr. Dy will discuss and recommend the best treatment option for the patient. When Moh’s micrographic surgery is required to remove a skin cancer from a delicate part of the body, the face, for example, she will help facilitate care by contacting a local Moh’s surgeon.

If you notice a spot that is different from others, or that changes, itches or bleeds, you should make an appointment for a total body skin examination with Dr. Dy. If the growth looks suspicious to Dr. Dy, she may recommend a skin biopsy. After the tissue is submitted for processing, she will microscopically evaluation the tissue for cellular changes.

Dr. Dy performs all skin surgeries while making sure that you are left with a minimal barely detectable scar.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Early detection is the key to long term survival. Excessive ultraviolet light radiation exposure including UV tanning booth exposure and a genetic linkage are risk factors for development of melanoma. Melanomas can take any color, shape or form. They can appear as black, tan, pink or as skin color known as “Amelanotic Melanoma”. It can appear anywhere on the body including the sun protected areas such as the genitals, palms and soles. Survival from melanoma is directly related to thickness or depth of the tumor. Melanoma is usually managed by surgical excision.

Any new or changing mole including one that presents with symptoms of itching, pain, bleeding or non-healing should be brought to Dr. Dy’s attention. Dr. Dy sees patients for melanoma skin cancer screening and melanoma skin cancer monitoring.

Cysts

Cysts can occur anywhere in or on the body and are typically slow-growing. They tend to form around hair follicles within the skin, or at a pore when it becomes clogged. Cysts can grow to be quite large and can become painful. They often require surgery for removal.

Moles

Moles are brown, black or skin colored growths on the skin. Moles usually appear in the first decades of life. Moles can occur anywhere in the body including the scalp, genital area, and mucous membranes. Having approximately 40 to 50 moles increases the chance of developing melanoma. Large birth moles also carry a risk of developing melanoma. Some moles can look atypical both clinically and microscopically. These are called Dysplastic Nevi. According to the Skin cancer foundation, individuals with more than 10 dysplastic nevi have a 12 fold increased risk of developing melanoma. We recommend individuals with atypical moles to conduct monthly self-examination or undergo a full skin examination by a board certified dermatologist every 6 months. Fortunately, most moles are not usually cause for concern, but they can detract from a person’s desired appearance. Moles can be removed both for cosmetic and medical reasons.

Warts

Warts are skin growths that are caused by viruses. They are usually white or off-white in color. Some have black dots on the surface, which are typically blood vessels. They can appear anywhere on the body. They can be uncomfortable, painful and unsightly.

Warts are not deadly to your health, but they are very contagious as they are transmitted by touch. Never go barefoot or share razors, towels or socks with others because even if a wart is not visible, people may still carry the virus.

Warts can be tricky to remove because they often grow back. Over-the-counter treatments are available for both common and plantar warts. Cryosurgery, laser treatments along with topical prescription are some of the treatments used to rid stubborn warts.

Lipomas

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty tumor, which usually forms in the layer between the skin and muscle. Lipomas are harmless. They are removed if they become painful, bothersome or very large. OMIT LAST STATEMENT (Lipomas are usually diagnosed at middle aged)

Skin Tags

Skin tags are benign growths that can appear similar to moles. They appear as growths on the surface of the skin especially in areas of friction. Skin tags usually occur on eyelids, the neck and armpits.

Most doctors recommend removing skin tags only if they are irritated. However, for many people they are embarrassing or unsightly, so they are removed for cosmetic reasons. The good news is skin tags are easily and painlessly removed by Dr. Dy.

Scar Revisions

Scars can result from accidents, wounds and acne. Scar revision surgery works to minimize the appearance of a scars so they are less obvious and better blend in with the patient’s skin and texture.

Treatment options vary based on the types of scars and the degree of the scarring. It can include topical treatments, minimally invasive procedures such as microneedling (SKIN PEN) with or without radiofrequency (VIVACE), subcisions, chemical peels and Laser Resurfacing. While scars cannot be completely erased, Dr. Dy works closely with you to develop the best possible treatment plan.

Treatment for Skin Disorders

Dr. Dy’s academic background has taught her that the best way to practice medicine is to combine a critical review of medical literature with a wealth of clinical experience. Dr. Dy has indeed combined her academic experience with almost 20 years of clinical work to offer her patients the most advanced, safest and effective treatment plans.

A Look Inside Our Practice

Dr. Lady C. Dy has the combined expertise in dermatology and pathology, which means she understands skin, hair and nail diseases at a microscopic level so that she can treat patients in a most precise and effective way.

Medical Services

Surgical Care

Aesthetic Treatments

Face & Body Shaping

Hair Growth

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

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