SKIN CANCER
KMC Dermatology providers recommend an annual skin cancer screening. KMC Dermatology is proud to provide skin cancer screenings in all of our offices Kansas City Dermatology, Mission Dermatology, Leawood Dermatology, Independence Dermatology, Olathe Dermatology, Leavenworth Dermatology, Lawrence Dermatology, Emporia Dermatology, Manhattan Dermatology, Topeka Dermatology, and Hunters Ridge Dermatology in Topeka.
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TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It most often develops on areas of the skin exposed to the sun’s rays. Skin cancer affects people of all colors and races, although those with light skin who sunburn easily have a higher risk.​
What does skin cancer look like?​​
Actinic Keratoses (AK)
These dry, scaly patches or spots are precancerous growths.
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People who get AKs usually have fair skin.
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Most people see their first AKs after 40 years of age because AKs tend to develop after years of sun exposure.
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AKs usually form on the skin that gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms.
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Because an AK can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), treatment is important.
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common type of skin cancer.​
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BCCs frequently develop in people who have fair skin, yet they can occur in people with darker skin.
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BCCs look like a flesh-colored, pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.
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BCCs develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning.
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BCC are common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.
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Early diagnosis and treatment for BCC is important. BCC can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer.
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People who have light skin are most likely to develop SCC, yet they can develop in darker-skinned people.
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SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens.
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SCC tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. SCC can grow deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop SCC from spreading to other areas of the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.​
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Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or suddenly appears as a new dark spot on the skin.
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Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
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Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma can help you find an early melanoma.
MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY
Micrographic surgery for skin cancer is the most reliable method of ensuring that a skin cancer is completely removed. While traditional methods for removal of skin cancer commonly achieve cure rates of 90-95%, micrographic excision produces cure rates of 96-99%. This method allows the surgeon to precisely remove cancerous tissue while sparing the maximal amount of non-involved normal surrounding skin.
KMC Dermatology is proud to provide specialized skin cancer care. KMC Dermatology Mohs surgeons provide Mohs surgery in the Kansas City, Mission, Independence, Topeka, and Manhattan area offices.
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MOHS SURGEONS
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Joseph Gadzia, MD
Board Certified Dermatology
Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Dr. Gadzia completed his dermatology training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Division of Dermatology. Dr. Gadzia also holds degrees from Medical Center of Delaware, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine Bachelor of Science-Zoology, North Carolina State University. Dr. Gadzia is a member of the North Carolina Medical Student Association and the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Gadzia is a Mohs surgeon and practices in the Topeka Dermatology office.
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Michael Kucenic, MD
Board Certified Dermatology
Board Certified Dermatopathology
Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Dr. Kucenic completed his specialty training in Dermatology at the University of Kansas followed by sub-specialty training in Dermatopathology at Indiana University where he also served as a Dermatopathologist and Visiting Assistant Professor. Dr. Kucenic is a member of the American Society of Dermatopathology, and American Academy of Dermatology, Kansas Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and Kansas City Dermatological Society. Dr. Kucenic has been affiliated with Kansas Medical Clinic since July 2008 and recently completed recertification for a second consecutive ten year period in both Dermatology and Dermatopathology.​
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Majdy Albahhar, MD
Board Certified Dermatology
Board Certified Dermatopathology
Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Majdy Albahhar, MD completed his medical internship at George Washington University in D.C.; Dermatology residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York where he served as chief resident during his last year; and Dermatopathology Fellowship at University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Albahhar practices in the Manhattan and Kansas City Dermatology offices. Dr. Albahhar diagnoses and treats all ages for all dermatological concerns including • Skin Cancer Screenings and Biopsies • Psoriasis • Atopic Dermatitis Acne • Rosacea • Dermatologic Surgery • Eczema • Cosmetic Dermatology • ….and more
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Meena Singh, MD
Board Certified Dermatology
Board Certified Dermatopathology
Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Dr. Meena Singh is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. She attended Harvard Medical School, trained at the Mayo Clinic, and completed a surgical fellowship in New York City, where she became trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as cosmetic dermatology procedures, such as Botox, lasers, and fillers. Additionally, she completed a fellowship with the International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery, where she was trained in all hair transplantation techniques, including strip excision and manual/motorized/robotic follicular unit extraction, and transplanting into scarring alopecias. She specializes in medical treatments for hair loss of all types. Dr. Singh provides dermatology, Mohs surgery, and hair restoration to Kansas City Dermatology patients in the Mission Dermatology office.
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David Martell, DO
Board Certified Dermatology
Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Dr. Martell is a board-certified dermatologist who completed his internship at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. After his time in Hawaii, he moved to Germany for several years serving as a Flight Surgeon for the US Army. He completed his dermatology residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where he won the prestigious Everett C. Fox Memorial Resident and Fellow Award during the 2016 American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. He has numerous publications in peer-reviewed dermatology journals and has also contributed a chapter in the widely used book, Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy. Dr. Martell has worked as a military physician and dermatologist in the Manhattan area for the past 5 years. Dr. Martell diagnoses and treats all ages for a wide variety of dermatological concerns including: Skin Cancer Screenings and Treatment, Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, Acne, Rosacea, Hair Loss, Dermatologic Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, ….and much more!