Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is easily detectable and easily treated when discovered early. The physicians of Advanced Dermatology Associates are experts in the treatment of skin cancer and can offer you a variety of therapies.

• Mohs skin cancer surgery is a specialized form of skin cancer treatment. Formerly only available in large metropolitan centers, Dr. Steven A. Oberlender and Dr. Cynthia L. Bartus perform this state-of-the-art technique in the Allentown office.
  
  
• Mohs skin cancer surgery involves removing the visible tumor and then checking all the borders microscopically with frozen sections. If a microscopic tumor is still present, more tissue is removed and tested until the entire tumor has been removed. This highly advanced technique ensures removal of the toughest forms of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. This surgery is the most tissue sparing technique with the highest cure rates and minimal scarring.
  
  
• Surgical excision and primary closure remains the mainstay of treatment for skin cancer. In this procedure, the tumor is removed with a margin of normal tissue. The wound is closed and the tissue submitted to pathology for analysis of the tissue margins. This is the method most commonly used for average basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas as well as malignant melanoma.
  
  
• Curettage and desiccation or "scraping and burning" can be effective for treating certain kinds of small or superficial skin cancers. This procedure does not require sutures.