As people continue to live longer than ever before, people are also receiving more exposure to the sun that ever before. The sun emits UV radiation, which is damaging to the skin. Over time, radiation damages the DNA of skin cells and improper cell replication can cause cancer. Patients should understand both how to prevent skin cancer from developing as well as treatment options.

The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid sun exposure. Patients should use sunscreen that provides protection against UV A and UV B radiation. They should limit the time spent in the sun and avoid midday sun exposure if at all possible. Patients should wear long sleeves with radiation blocking clothing when possible if patients expect to spend extended periods of time in the sun.

The most common skin cancer types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are much easier to treat surgically compared to melanoma. They require a small margin around the cancerous area. This is usually closed primarily with sutures. Patients with melanoma require an extensive resection and often a sentinel lymph node biopsy. If the sentinel lymph node is positive patients may require a subsequent lymphadenectomy or a resection of a group of lymph nodes. Most patients have a minimal recovery time from surgery and quickly return to their daily activities.

Dr. Jenna Kazil is a fascinating surgical specialist who is double board-certified in general surgery and vascular surgery who removes skin cancer from patients living on the West coast of Florida from Spring Hill to Sarasota. This board certification indicates that Dr. Kazil has passed a challenging set of written and oral board exams twice in two separate specialties. Anyone needing skin cancer removal should contact the Florida Surgical Clinic today.