Post-cancer reconstructive surgery provides a way to restore the aesthetic and functional structures that may sustain damage during the elimination of malignant or benign growths. 

The patient may need advanced reconstruction due to the location and depth of the excised growth, the amount of skin removed to ensure complete elimination or the inadequacy of adjacent skin (such as in areas around the nose or ear) to seal the defect.

In such cases, the patient may need skin grafting, flaps, or other reconstructive techniques to restore their natural appearance and characteristics.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide safe, proven and effective skin care procedures to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities. 

When is Reconstructive Surgery Appropriate?

If a patient has had surgery to remove a cancerous or benign lesion, they will have a surgical defect that will require reconstruction to repair the wound. 

If the lesion of eliminated through Mohs surgery or another surgical procedure, such as excisional surgery, the patient may require reconstruction. In some cases, the surgical defect may be allowed to heal by itself. A straight line of sutures is all that is necessary in many cases. 

If the lesions are removed from areas with inadequate adjacent tissue, especially prominent areas of the face such as the nose and ear, it may be difficult to seal the wound side by side in a straight line. 

Techniques such as flaps, skin grafting, or other reconstructive techniques may be required to repair the surgical defect. The skill and experience of Dr. McGinness enable patients to regain their self-confidence that comes naturally through their traditional cosmetic appearance, even after a complicated surgical procedure.  

What Types of Reconstructive Surgery are available?

While the treatment of skin cancer is most important, reconstruction is equally crucial as well. In the case of the removal of cancerous cells, Dr. McGinness will discuss with the patient how to repair the surgical defect. 

One of the below mentioned options will typically be chosen, depending on the location, depth, and size of the surgical defect. 

• Enabling the wound to heal by itself or second intention healing
• Sealing the wound in a side-by-side manner with suture
• Using a skin graft (skin taken from another area of the body) or a flap (using skin surrounding the wound) to close the defect
• Referral to another reconstructive specialist for wound repair

After the removal of cancerous and non-cancerous tissue, reconstructive surgery in an effective technique to make sure that the patient appears and feels their best in the recovery period. 

Recovery 

The surgeon will cover the incision area with a bandage and dressing after the procedure. The sutures may be removed in nearly one week.

Prescription pain meds will help control mild pain during the first few weeks after the procedure. Patients should avoid vigorous activities for a few days. However, they can resume their normal activities or work in one to two weeks. 

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for advanced and innovative skin care treatments.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Most actinic keratoses (AKs) are harmless. However, they reveal that a person has sustained sun damage and is susceptible to the development of skin cancer, especially the second most commonly occurring form of the disease, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

Do not Ignore Actinic Keratosis

A person with one AK is likely to develop more. The more untreated AKs that a person has and the older that these lesions are, the higher the possibility that one or more may develop into an SCC.

Some researchers, in fact, interpret AK as the initial form of SCC. In rare cases, AKs may also develop into basal cell carcinoma (BCC) which is the most common form of skin cancer.

If an SCC is left untreated, it can become invasive and even life-threatening. Actinic cheilitis is a variant of AK, and it is usually an aggressive form of pre-cancer on the lower lip that is at an increased risk of developing into an invasive SCC.

After cancer, which develops from actinic cheilitis, penetrates the outer lip skin layer (mucosa, mucous membranes), it may bleed and turn into a sore that does not heal. It may become infected and even spread to internal organs.

A Potential Pre-Cancer

AK may develop into skin cancer if left untreated. For this reason, it is considered a precancer. It often develops into the second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).  Over 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States annually are linked to indoor tanning. This includes 168,000 cases of SCCs.

AKs are the most commonly occurring precancerous skin lesions. They appear on skin that has undergone frequent sun or artificial light exposure, such as tanning machines.

More rarely, extensive X-rays exposure can also cause AKs. They usually appear on areas that as sun-exposed such as the ears, face, bald scalp, neck, shoulders, and the back of the forearms and hands.

AKs can also develop on other areas of the legs. They are usually raised, rough in texture, and appear similar to warts. A majority of AKs become red. However, some are dark or light tan, pink, white, and/or skin toned. They can also occur in a combination of these colors.

Initially, AKs are usually so small that they are detected by touch rather than sight. The feeling of running a finger over them is similar to touching sandpaper. In fact, patients may have many times more subclinical (invisible) AKs that are apparent on the skin’s surface.

In general, AKs develop gradually and attain a size from an eighth of a quarter to an inch. Initially, they may disappear only to surface later on. They can sometimes cause itching or a pricking or tender sensation. AKs may become swollen and surrounded by redness. Rarely, they can even bleed.

Individuals at High Risk

Individuals with fair skin, red, or blonde hair, freckles, and blue, gray or green eyes are most susceptible to sun damage. They are at an increased risk for AK development if they spend time in the sun and live long enough.

While people from ethnicities such as Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and others with darker skin tones are not as vulnerable to AK development as Caucasians, skin cancer can affect anyone.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for dermatology treatments.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Actinic keratosis (AK), also called solar keratosis, refers to a scaly, crusty growth which occurs due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.

AK is considered to be a precancerous growth if left untreated. It could develop into skin cancer, most frequently the second most common form of the illness, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Although only around 10 percent of AKs become malignant, most SSCs initiate as AKs. There is no way to know beforehand which ones will develop into SCC.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities.

Causes of Actinic Keratosis

Sun Exposure

The cause for almost all AKs is chronic sun exposure. The skin sustains cumulative sun damage. Therefore, even short periods of exposure to the sun add up over an entire lifetime.

In fact, even cloudy days are not safe as 70 to 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can pass through clouds. These damaging rays can bounce off sand, snow, and other reflective surfaces as well causing additional exposure.  

A person’s chances of developing one or more AKs increases in proportion to the time they spend in the sun over the years. Therefore, older people and outdoor workers have a higher risk of developing AKs. The incidence of AK development is marginally higher in men as they tend to spend more time outdoors in the sun and use less sun protection in comparison to women.

While AKs do affect people as young as in their 20s, they are much more common in individuals over 50 years of age. According to some experts, almost everyone over the age of 80 years has AKs.

Locations

The likelihood of AK development increases with the proximity to the equator. Therefore, people living nearer to the equator have higher chances of developing AKs.

Other Causes

Dermatologists warn against indoor tanning as the UV rays emitted by lamps in tanning salons can be even more dangerous and concentrated than the sun. The odds of developing AKs increase in proportion to the indoor tanning a person indulges in.

At times, AKs can also occur due to extensive exposure to x-rays or various industrial chemicals.

Who is at Risk?

People who have fair skin, blonde or red hair, freckles, and blue, gray, or green eyes are most prone to sun damage. They have a higher possibility of developing AKs if they spend time in the sun and live for a long enough duration.

Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnicities with darker complexions are not as vulnerable as Caucasians. However, skin cancers can develop in anyone. In part due to late diagnosis, skin cancers in Hispanics and African Americans are more likely to be detected at advanced stages in comparison to those found in Caucasians.

People who have a weakened immune system due to AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplantation, or other reasons are less resilient to UV rays and more likely to develop AKs. It is important to note that extensive UV radiation exposure itself weakens the immune system reducing its ability to repair damage from UV rays.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for dermatology treatments.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Normal moles refer to common small brown growths and spots on the skin that appear in the initial few decades of life in almost every person. They can either be raised or flat and are usually round and regularly shaped. Sun exposure is the cause for the development of many moles.

At times, it can be challenging to differentiate between an atypical mole and early-stage melanoma. Certain melanomas initiate within an atypical mole. The level of atypical characteristics of the mole can establish whether it is benign, or at moderate or high risk of developing into melanoma.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) provide skin care treatments to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

A person must be especially vigilant if they have atypical moles along with the following common risk factors for melanoma:

• Light hair, eyes, and/or skin
• Freckles
• Numerous moles
• A family or personal history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Inability to tan
• Repetitive and intermittent sunburns
• A substantial mole present at birth

Precautions

The best precaution a person can take is to understand their skin. All members of the family should routinely evaluate all the moles on their skin surface to notice any changes and bring these to the attention of their doctor. Doing so can help minimize the risk of melanoma developing into a life-threatening stage.

Each person, especially those with a heightened risk of developing melanoma, should:

• Check their skin thoroughly every month using both a full-length and handheld mirror and a good source of light to view each area clearly. Ask a friend or family member to examine your back and other areas of the body that are difficult to view yourself. Checking the scalp can be done effectively using a hairdryer. Remember to check the soles of the feet and between the toes.
• Contact your physician promptly if you detect any warning signs of melanoma. Show your physician any moles in which you have seen suspicious signs, indications, or changes. Visit your physician for a head-to-toe examination every year, more frequently if you notice any changes in your moles.

If the dermatologist diagnoses you with atypical moles, you should:

• Document the complete family history or atypical moles, melanomas, or other forms of cancer, and discuss it with your physician.
• Undergo routine skin exams at intervals recommended by your physician, and encourage your family members to do so as well.
• In addition to routine medical examinations, also conduct monthly self-exams on the skin.
• Check with your physician about having a set of full-body pictures taken, especially if you have family members with atypical moles, numerous moles, or have been diagnosed with melanoma. It is easier to spot changes this way.
• Ask the doctor to evaluate any suspicious or changing skin growth promptly.
• Check with your doctor if you need an eye exam as moles and melanomas may also develop in the eyes.
• Be mindful, but do not worry.

Regular self-exams, professional exams, and common sense can significantly reduce the possibility of a melanoma growing to a threatening size before it can be diagnosed and eliminated.

Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness and Jackie McGinness, FNP (Nurse Practitioner) receive patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas for dermatology treatments.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.