What Types of Cancer Can be Treated With Cryosurgery (Cryotherapy)?

What Types of Cancer Can be Treated With Cryosurgery? | St. Louis Cryosurgery used in the treatment of several forms of cancer, and certain precancerous or noncancerous conditions.

Other than prostate and liver tumors, cryosurgery can be an effective treatment for the following conditions:

Retinoblastoma, which is a childhood cancer that impacts the retina of the eye
Physicians have found that cryosurgery is most successful when the tumor is small and located in specific areas of the retina
Early-stage skin cancers, both basal cell, and squamous cell carcinomas
Precancerous cervical conditions called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which refers to the abnormal changes in the cervix that can potentially develop into cervical cancer

In addition, cryosurgery is used in the treatment of certain low-grade cancerous and noncancerous bone tumors.

It may mitigate the risk of joint damage in comparison to more extensive surgery as well as lessen the need for amputation. This treatment is used for AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma as well when the skin lesions are localized and small.

Researchers are assessing cryosurgery as a treatment for various cancers such as colon, breast, and kidney cancer. They are also evaluating cryotherapy administered along with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

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

In what circumstances can cryosurgery be used to treat prostate cancer? What are the side effects of the treatment?

Cryosurgery can be used in the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer that is limited to the prostate gland. In comparison to standard prostatectomy and various forms of radiation therapy, it is less well established. The long term effects are not known.

As it is effective only in small areas, cryosurgery is not used in the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread outside the gland, or to distant areas of the body.

Certain benefits of cryosurgery are that the procedure can be repeated and can be used to treat males who cannot undergo radiation therapy or surgery due to their age and health issues.

Cryosurgery for the prostate gland can lead to side effects. These side effects may develop more frequently in men who have undergone prostate radiation therapy.

Cryosurgery may cause an obstruction in urine flow or incontinence, which is the lack of control over urine flow. However, these side effects are often temporary. Many men lose sexual function (impotence). Sometimes, surgery may have injured the rectum.

In which cases can cryosurgery be used to treat primary liver cancer or liver metastases (cancer that has spread to another part from the liver)? What are the side effects?

Cryosurgery may be used in the treatment of primary liver cancer that has not spread to other areas of the body, especially if surgery is not an option due to other health conditions. In addition, the treatment may also be used for cancer that has spread from the liver to another area, such as the rectum or colon.

Sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be used before or after cryosurgery. Cryosurgery in the liver may damage the bile ducts and/or significant blood vessels, which can cause infection or hemorrhage (heavy bleeding).

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

Dermatologist FAQ: Hair And Scalp Problems

Dermatologist FAQ: Hair And Scalp Problems | St. Louis, Missouri Hair and scalp problems occur commonly. The hair may be thinning or falling out, breaking off, or growing slowly. It can be uncomfortable to have an itchy or peeling scalp or dandruff.

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 locations.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia means hair loss. An individual who has the medical condition known as alopecia areata experiences the falling out of hair in round patches. The hair can fall out on the scalp and other areas of the body.

This condition can lead to different types of hair loss, and each of these types has a different name:

Alopecia totalis (loss of all hair on the scalp).
Alopecia areata (hair loss in patches).
Alopecia universalis (loss of all hair on the body).

This condition usually develops in people who are otherwise healthy.

Dandruff

Dandruff refers to a common condition of the scalp which causes small fragments of dry skin to flake off the scalp. People wearing dark colors or those with dark hair may notice the flakes in the hair or on the shoulders. This condition can also cause the scalp to itch.

Many individuals think that dandruff occurs due to poor hygiene. However, this is not true. While dandruff can become more apparent with infrequent shampooing, researchers are still studying the reasons, which seem to be complex.

The most effective method to treat and manage dandruff is to use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments. At times, the itching and flaking that looks like dandruff is actually a medical condition, such as psoriasis, fungal infections of the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema.

In case the symptoms continue despite using a dandruff shampoo, the individual should see a board certified dermatologist.

Hair Loss

In case a person experiences bald patches or significant hair thinning, they may be experiencing hair loss.

Hair loss occurs due to various reasons. Women may experience hair loss after childbirth. Individuals who are under a lot of stress may also suffer from hair loss. Certain conditions and medical treatments can lead to hair loss, as well.

The most common reason for hair loss is a medical condition known as hereditary hair loss. Around 80 million women and men in the US experience this form of hair loss.

Fortunately, a majority of the reasons for hair loss can be stopped or treated. Anyone who experiences hair loss should consult a dermatologist. These doctors are experts in the treatment of skin, hair, and nails.

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the skin. It is known as scalp psoriasis when it develops on the scalp.

Scalp psoriasis can extend to other areas beyond the scalp. It can develop on the forehead. At times, it may extend to the back of the neck or occur behind the ears.

Psoriasis on the scalp may require different treatment. The scalp skin is thicker, and hair may be an impediment. Scalp psoriasis can be a stubborn condition. Many individuals consult a dermatologist for treatment.

The below mentioned types of treatment can help scalp psoriasis:

Medication applied to the scalp
Medicated shampoos
Scale softeners
Injections
Light treatments
Biologics and other drugs that work throughout the body

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.

St. Louis Dermatologist FAQ: Reasons Your Scalp Itches And How to Get Relief

St. Louis Dermatologist FAQ: Why Your Scalp Itches And Getting Relief It can become hard to focus on anything else when the scalp itches. It may feel like the itch will never go away, but it is possible to get relief. Eliminating the itch starts with identifying the reason for the itching scalp.

Causes and Solutions for Scalp Itchiness

Some reasons for an itchy scalp and dermatologists’ recommendations on what can bring relief are as follows:

Dandruff

In case the scalp is itchy and dry with flakes on the hair and clothing, the person may have dandruff.

Getting relief

Using a dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments can bring relief in case an individual experiences dandruff.

Reaction to a Hair Care Product

A dry, flaky, and itchy scalp could indicate that the person needs to do a better job of rinsing shampoo from their hair. Shampoo residue can irritate the scalp.

If a person has an itchy scalp along with a rash, they may have a condition known as allergic contact dermatitis. This condition commonly occurs in people who dye their hair. In general, the culprit is a component in the dye known as para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is an ingredient in black hair dyes.

Getting relief

In order to stop the itch, the person must discontinue using the product that is causing the response. A dermatologist can help identify the reason for the itchy scalp.

Hives

Hives are red, elevated, and very itchy bumps that can develop anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to recur and clear within a few hours. At times, hives go away and come back. In case hives come and go for over six weeks, they are known as chronic (long-lasting) hives.

Getting relief

Hives usually clear on their own. However, if they are long-lasting, treatment can help. Dermatologists often treat hives.

Scabies

Scabies occurs due to a tiny bug known as the human itch mite. In case these mites burrow into the scalp, the scalp can become very itchy. The most common symptom of scabies is itching. It can be so intense that it can cause sleepless nights.

Getting relief

A primary care doctor or board certified dermatologist can diagnose scabies. In case a person has scabies, they will need treatment, which is only available with a physician’s prescription.

Scalp ringworm

Ringworm does not occur due to works. It is an infection that occurs due to a fungus. If a person gets ringworm on the scalp, they will likely have a red, intensely itchy rash.

Getting relief
In order to get relief, the patient will need a correct diagnosis and treatment for ringworm.

The treatment of ringworm on the scalp needs prescription drugs. Therefore, the patient will need to consult a doctor. Dermatologists usually treat ringworm. Therefore, it may be helpful to consult a board certified dermatologist.

Scalp psoriasis

Around 50 percent of people with plaque psoriasis suffer from a flare-up on the scalp at some point. On the scalp, this condition may lead to reddish patches, dandruff-like flaking, silvery-white scales, and a dry scalp. Scalp psoriasis is usually itchy, with the itch ranging from mild to intense.

Getting relief

There are various treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some individuals get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that they can purchase without a prescription.

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.

St. Louis Dermatologist FAQ: Why Your Face Might be Red

St. Louis Dermatologist FAQ: Why Your Face Might be Red | St. Louis The face can turn red due to various reasons, such as acne, sunburn, and hot flashes. If the condition does not resolve on its own in a few days or if the symptoms worsen, it is best to see a dermatologist.

Causes for Facial Redness

Some of the key reasons for facial redness and their potential solutions may include:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis refers to a common skin condition that leads to a red rash, which often develops on the face. This rash may cause the skin to appear oily. The skin may also look dry and scaly.

Eliminating the redness

People with Seborrheic dermatitis typically need treatment for the condition to clear. A board certified dermatologist can develop a treatment plan that is customized to the patient’s needs. The treatment for Seborrheic dermatitis may include using a dandruff shampoo and medication that is applied to the skin for a short time.

Rosacea

This skin condition usually initiates with a tendency to blush or flush easily. In case the condition progresses, the patient may notice that the redness on their face lasts longer, or never clears.

Eliminating the redness

Rosacea cannot be cured, but treatment can reduce the redness. There are various forms of rosacea. A board certified dermatologist can diagnose the condition. In a person has rosacea, their dermatologist can inform them about the type of rosacea they have as well as develop a customized treatment plan.

An Allergic Response to the Fragrance in a Skin Care Product

A condition known as contact dermatitis occurs when something that touches the skin either:

Causes irritation
Leads to an allergic response

Contact dermatitis commonly occurs on the face. The use of a soap or hair dye can irritate the skin, leading to a condition called irritant contact dermatitis.

In case a person is allergic to what touches their face, they can develop allergic contact dermatitis. The common reasons for the occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis include fragrances, latex, and poison ivy.

Eliminating the redness

This rash tends to clear by itself upon discontinuing the use of whatever is causing the reaction.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is also commonly known as eczema. It causes a rash that manifests suddenly. Babies usually develop this itchy rash on their cheeks. Skin with the rash tends to feel very scaly, dry, and itchy, irrespective of where the rash develops.

Eliminating the redness

Atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, but treatment can help in clearing the skin. A board certified dermatologist can create an individualized treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of the child or adult.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis refers to a condition that causes the body to produce new skin cells in a matter of days instead of weeks. These cells collect on the skin’s surface, leading to the development of elevated, scaly patches.

Eliminating the redness

There is no known care for psoriasis. But a board certified dermatologist can create a customized treatment plan to help the patient attain clearer (or clear) skin.

Spider veins

The harmful rays of the sun can cause damage to unprotected skin. This damage becomes cumulative over the years. Over time, some individuals with sun-damaged skin develop spider veins on their face.

Eliminating the redness

A board certified dermatologist can help eliminate spider veins with laser treatment. This procedure may not be eligible for insurance coverage.

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.

What Types of Cancer Can be Treated With Cryosurgery (Cryotherapy)?

Monthly Archives: July 2019