Medical Services Archives

What is melanoma, and is it cancer? Melanoma is the most dangerous and deadliest form of skin cancer. It begins in cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment that gives skin its color. In comparison with other types of skin cancer, melanoma occurs less commonly but is considered more serious. It can quickly spread throughout the body if melanoma treatment...

If your face has patches of tan or darker skin that aren’t consistent with your normal skin color, it could be melasma. Most common in women, it is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” although women who are not pregnant can have melasma too. What is melasma? Melasma typically appears as dark sections of skin that are irregularly...

What is Mohs surgery? Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for the most common non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The Mohs procedure involves surgically removing skin cancer layer by layer and examining the tissue under a microscope until healthy, cancer-free tissue around the tumor is reached (called clear margins). Each Forefront Mohs surgeon is...

What Are Moles? Moles, also called nevi, are an extremely common type of skin growth. They can develop anywhere on the body and are typically brown in color, although they can also appear black, tan, pink, blue, or red. Most moles have an oval or round shape, and they commonly develop during childhood or adolescence. It’s normal for some moles...

What is molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin characterized by raised, dome-shaped bumps, sometimes with a shiny white dimple in the middle. The virus isn’t harmful, but it can cause irritation. It is easily spread through skin to skin contact, and is highly contagious.

A chemical agent that reacts to light is applied to the growths and absorbed by the abnormal cells. Hours later, those medicated areas are activated by a strong light and the treatment selectively destroys abnormal cells while causing minimal damage to normal tissue. This treatment is best for pre-cancerous and some types of superficial skin cancers.