Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is a growing concern all over the world and does not discriminate with regard to age, ethnicity or gender.

Dr. Muba TaherSkin Cancer Surgery

Prevention Treatments

Don’t become a statistic! Regular skin checks, sunscreen and sun protection (ie: hats) are your best defense. Skin cancer is largely preventable – do your part!
Treatment options are available to help reduce and remove pre-cancerous lesions before they evolve into skin cancers.

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TCA Chemical Peel

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Metvix Cream/Red Light Pulse Dye Laser

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Topical Prescriptions

Sunscreen Tip #1.

Choose a sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 with broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection. Look at the ingredients when shopping for sunscreen- we recommend physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide

TCA Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are used in the field treatment of AKs and sun-damaged skin. The chemical peel Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is applied to the skin and allowed to absorb in. This is intended to cause a reaction like a severe sunburn, without the UV (ultraviolet) damage. 3-14 days after the treatment the skin begins to peel, allowing for the AKs and sun-damaged skin to be removed, and new skin to grow in its place.

Sunscreen Tip #2.

Apply 1-2 tablespoon at each application (do this in 2-3 layers- it will be easier). Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while outdoors

Metvix Cream/Red Light Treatment

Metvix ®Cream (methyl aminolevulinate) is a topical prescription, and photosensitive drug, that when triggered by a red light causes damage to abnormal skin cells.  

When the Metivx® cream is applied to the treatment area, and soaks into the skin. When the cream is allowed to soak into the skin, the Metvix can find and target any abnormal cells, such as Actinic Keratosis or Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma. Once the soaking process is completed, the treatment area is exposed to a red light that activates the molecule in the cream to destroy the abnormal cells.

laser hair removal | metvix red light treatment

Sunscreen Tip #3.

Wear protective clothing, such as light long sleeve shirts, pants, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat

Prescription Topicals

There are multiple options of topical prescriptions that can be used at home to assist in reducing the appearance, and the prevalence of precancerous lesions. To determine which topical at home prescription is best for you, speak with our medical dermatology team.

Sunscreen Tip #4.

Reduce your sun exposure by planning outdoor activities before 11 am or after 4 pm