Project Description

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer, outnumbering the total incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. About 50% of Americans who reach age 65 will be diagnosed with either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma accounts for less than 1% of skin cancer cases, but is estimated to kill over 10,000 people in the US annually. Skin cancer is the most easily treated form of cancer with early diagnosis and treatment.

Our board certified providers at Knoxville Institute of Dermatology specialize in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, including mohs micrographic surgery. If you have a suspicious area on your skin or would like a total body skin exam, contact our office today.

What is skin cancer?

A skin cancer is a tumor in which there is uncontrolled proliferation of any of the skin cells, whereas the normal process of regeneration of skin involves replication of the cells in a controlled fashion. Each subtype of skin cancer has unique characteristics. The most common forms of skin cancer are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), including keratoacanthoma
  • Melanoma
  • Superficial basal cell carcinoma
  • Intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma or Bowen disease (pre-cancerous, in-situ squamous cell carcinoma) and actinic keratoses
  • Melanoma in situ

Who gets skin cancer?

Skin cancer most commonly affects older adults but it can also affect younger adults, and rarely, children.

  • Skin cancer tends to affect individuals with fair skin (Fitzpatrick skin phototype I, II and III), although people with darker skin can also develop skin cancer.
  • People who have had a skin cancer have an increased risk of developing other skin cancers.
  • A family history of skin cancer also increases risk.

What causes skin cancer?

The common forms of skin cancer listed above are related to exposure to ultraviolet radiation (from sunlight or tanning beds) and the effects of ageing. Other risks include:

  • Smoking (especially for SCC)
  • Human papillomavirus infection (genital warts), particularly for mucosal sites such as oral mucosa, lips and genitals
  • Immune suppression, for example in patients who have received an organ transplant and are on azathioprine and/or cyclosporin
  • Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV)
  • Exposure to ionizing radiation
  • Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and coal tar
  • Longstanding skin disease such as lichen sclerosus, lupus erythematosus, linear porokeratosis or cutaneous tuberculosis
  • A longstanding wound or scar, eg, from thermal burn (a Marjolin ulcer).

What are the clinical features of skin cancer?

Skin cancers generally appear as a lump or nodule, an ulcer, or a changing lesion.

What are the complications of skin cancer?

Skin cancer can usually be treated and cured before complications occur. Signs of an advanced, aggressive or neglected skin cancer may include:

  • Ulceration
  • Bleeding
  • Spread of the tumor to lymph glands and other organs such as liver and brain (metastasis).

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Skin cancers are generally diagnosed clinically by a dermatologist or family doctor, when learning of an enlarging, crusting or bleeding lesion. The lesion will be inspected carefully, and ideally, a full skin examination will also be conducted.

  • Dermatoscopy (a special magnifying light) may be used to confirm the diagnosis, to detect early skin cancers, and to exclude benign lesions.
  • A partial skin biopsy may be taken in cases of suspected non-melanoma skin cancer to confirm the diagnosis.
  • A complete excision is usually undertaken to make a diagnosis if melanoma is suspected, as partial biopsy can be misleading in melanocytic tumors.
  • The diagnosis is confirmed in the laboratory by a histopathologist. It can take a few days for the report to be issued, or longer if special tests are required.

What is the treatment for skin cancer?

Early treatment of a skin cancer usually cures it. The majority of skin cancers are treated surgically, using local anesthetic to numb the skin. Surgical techniques include:

  • Excision biopsy
  • Mohs surgery

Treatment options for superficial skin cancers include:

  • Minor surgery including curettage and diathermy/cautery and electrosurgery
  • Cryotherapy
  • Topical therapy such as fluorouracil cream, imiquimod cream or ingenol mebutate gel
  • Photodynamic therapy (photosensitizing solution plus light)
  • Lasers

Patients with skin cancer may be at increased risk of developing other skin cancers. They may be advised to:

  • Practice careful sun protection, including regular application of sunscreens
  • Learn and practice self skin examination
  • Have regular skin checks
  • Seek medical attention if they notice any changing or enlarging skin lesions
  • Take nicotinamide (vitamin B3) to reduce the numbers of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

I have already recommended Dr Raman to a friend. The timeliness getting an appointment, the Covid safe setting, the efficiency of the staff along with the expertise of the doctor are reasons I will return and refer.

M. H.

I had a recurring dermatological condition for several and a series of dermatologists as a result. And yet until I met Dr. Wright, my condition remained undiagnosed and it turned out to be potentially life-threatening. I am so fortunate to have found him and I would not go to anyone else and recommend him often.

D. B.

Timely, professional, thorough and took the time to explain the procedure being done and options for upcoming needed procedure. Steps were taken to protect employees and patients against Covid challenges. I had basil cell removed three times and in different states. This office is the best hands down.

S. J.

This office is very clean, professional and I never have to wait excessive time for my appointment. Dr. Rahman is so thorough and caring and kind. I have had Mohs surgery with Dr. Wright on my face and you cannot even see where the scar is. This is the place to go for your dermatology needs.

C. P.

I’ll be 77 years old in a month and this was my first real skin check-up. I sort of had one a few years ago at a different place but was turned off by their emphasis on selling cosmetic treatments when I wanted to know about skin disease. Dr. Bakke and his assistant seemed to give me a thorough check, burned off some spots, took.a few biopsies, and I was good to go.

R. G.

Everyone is so nice and friendly…the office staff is caring, professional and an asset to your institution. Even though I’ve been going to your office for a few years this is the first time I saw Kegan Reilly. He was very professional and very knowledgeable. He explained everything to me in detail and made me very comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. I highly recommend him for anyone who needs to see a dermatologist. He is definitely an exceptional medical provider.

D. S.

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Anderson for her careful skin exam and detection of the start of a melanoma on my arm. She is pleasant, professional, and kind– everything you would want in a dermatologist.

E. T.

Dr. Anderson and her staff are excellent. I have been a client for several years. I have received the best care. Dr. Anderson is excellent in discovering and treating. problems. Dr. Anderson listens and is honest.

M. J.

The whole experience was a positive one… getting an appointment to see someone relatively soon, receiving several reminders, the (covid) health protections at the office, and the very pleasant and knowledgeable care of Lindsey Best FNP, at my appointment.

P. P.

Sent email & text to inform of arrival procedures, took proper covid-19 protocol to ensure my safety and that of staff and other patients. Doctor and nurse took time to explain what would happen during visit and answered all questions. Explained proper home care of procedure site, made sure I knew how and informed to call office if any problems or questions. Everyone was very helpful, friendly and professional.

D. C.
  • Screenshot of Patient Portal

Contact Provider via Patient Portal

August 10th, 2023|Comments Off on Contact Provider via Patient Portal

To access your portal, type kid.ema.md into a Mozilla Firefox browser. Your username will be your personal email address that needs to be provided to the front desk staff. A link will be sent to that [...]

  • This image portrays Welcome Nathan Bowers, MD, PhD by Knoxville Institute of Dermatology.

Welcome Nathan Bowers, MD, PhD

August 10th, 2023|Comments Off on Welcome Nathan Bowers, MD, PhD

Nathan Bowers began his training by earning a PhD in Immunology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Driven by a lifelong desire to care for patients in a clinical setting, he then [...]

  • This image portrays New Location: Morristown! by Knoxville Institute of Dermatology.

New Location: Morristown!

January 5th, 2023|Comments Off on New Location: Morristown!

Knoxville Institute of Dermatology is excited to announce our newest location in Morristown! We will be located in the Baptist Eye Surgeons building and seeing patients starting in January 2023. Call our office today [...]

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Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

April 16th, 2021|Comments Off on Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we have taken the progressive steps to keeping our practice open for all of your dermatological needs during these unprecedented times.   As always, the health [...]

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World Psoriasis Day

October 20th, 2020|Comments Off on World Psoriasis Day

It's almost October 29th and our physicians and staff are PSO excited to celebrate World Psoriasis Day!   World Psoriasis Day is a campaign held annually on October 29th aiming to bring awareness to this [...]

  • This image portrays October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Knoxville Institute of Dermatology.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 19th, 2020|Comments Off on October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This annual month-long campaign is designed to bring awareness to one of the most common cancers, aside from skin cancer, in women. Each year in the United States, more [...]

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We’re excited to work with you, find a solution to your skin care needs and give you the results you deserve. Fill out the form below and someone will contact shortly to schedule your appointment.

Knoxville
Lenoir City
Tellico Village
Morristown