Do You Think You Have Skin Cancer?
Understanding the Signs and Knowing Your Treatment Options
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and receiving a diagnosis can create severe anxiety for some. Please don’t stress over this more than you need to and research all alternatives of treatment and be reassured that if your physician refers you for Mohs surgery, the next steps become clear. That's when it's time to meet with an expert’s expert, Dr. Ron Shelton, a double board-certified,  fellowship-trained, dermatologic surgeon who has been specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery in New York City for over 32 years.
Not All Skin Lesions Are Dangerous — But They Should Be Evaluated
Seborrheic Keratosis : A benign, non-cancerous overgrowth of keratinocytes. It is a very common skin growth that often causes concern. These lesions often appear as waxy, stuck-on patches ranging in color from light brown to black. Though harmless, SKs can sometimes resemble more serious lesions like melanoma, which is why your physician may perform a biopsy to rule out a malignancy.
Actinic Keratosis (AK):Â These are precancerous lesions caused by long-term sun exposure. They typically show up as rough, dry patches on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. Although AKs are not skin cancer themselves, they can progress to SCC over time. These are often treated by freezing with a liquid nitrogen spray by your dermatologist or applying one of several commonly-prescribed creams. They are not treated by surgery.
Common Types of Skin Cancer That May Require Mohs Surgery
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) :Â This is the most frequently diagnosed form of skin cancer. BCC typically appears as a pink or white bump or a flat lesion with a pearly surface. It can sometimes ulcerate and bleed. Though slow-growing and unlikely to spread, BCC can still cause damage to nearby tissues if not treated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):Â SCC often presents as scaly red patches, open sores, or thickened skin that may crust or bleed. Left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Some forms of Melanoma-in Situ or “pre-Melanoma”: These are not invasive and can not metastasize. They are treated by conventional excisional surgery but can be treated by Mohs micrographic surgery when the border of the lesion is difficult to ascertain or if it’s located on a vital cosmetic area and saving every millimeter of good skin is imperative.
Red flags that may indicate a need for biopsy include:
- Persistent bleeding or oozing
- Change in color, size, or border shape
- Asymmetry or uneven appearance
- Itching, tenderness, or pain
- Rapid growth
These signs should be discussed with a physician who can perform a skin exam and biopsy if needed.
When Mohs Surgery Is the Recommended Option
If your skin biopsy confirms basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and a variant of this called a keratoacanthoma which is a very quickly growing hard tender lump, and some cases of melanoma-in-situ, your physician may recommend Mohs micrographic surgery — a highly specialized and precise technique that provides the highest chance of cure compared to ANY other alternative treatment, removes skin cancer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Meet Dr. Ron Shelton: Trusted Mohs Surgeon in NYC
Should your physician refer you for Mohs surgery, it’s natural to have questions or concerns. That’s where Dr. Ron Shelton comes in. With over three decades of experience in Mohs surgery, Dr. Shelton focuses exclusively on treating biopsy-confirmed skin cancers. He does not perform initial skin checks or biopsies, but he will guide you confidently once you’ve been diagnosed.
Why Choose Dr. Ron Shelton to do your Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Trust your care to Dr. Ron Shelton, a leading Mohs surgeon in New York City who combines advanced technique with compassionate care to help you feel reassured and informed every step of the way.
- Dr.Shelton was recruited by The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, from his very prestigious Mohs surgery fellowship in The University of California, San Francisco, under the mentorship of the world-renowned Drs. Richard Glogau and Roy Grekin in 1992.
- Dr.Shelton was the creator and first Director of the Division of Dermatologic and Laser Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center and maintained his full-time faculty position until he went into private practice, after which he maintains his voluntary associate professorship still teaching dermatology residents at the Mount Sinai clinic.
- Many of his referring dermatologists who have seen Mohs results from other Mohs surgeons in NYC have themselves come to Dr. Shelton entrusting him with their face while undergoing Mohs surgery on themselves.
- Dr.Shelton is commonly referred to as the “Michelangelo” of Mohs surgery by a non-biased national medical referral service.
- Dr.Shelton has lectured on Mohs surgery at national dermatologic society meetings teaching his skills to other Mohs surgeons.
- Dr. Shelton has published his surgical innovations in peer-reviewed medical literature, as well as in several books and medical journals.
- Dr.Shelton has taught many international dermatologists in his private practice.
- Dr.Shelton has always and continues to treat EVERY patient as he has treated his family and would want to be treated as if he were the patient! He appreciates the trust his patients and referring doctors place in him and sees this is a very special privilege.
If you have been referred with a biopsy result already obtained by your referring doctor, please call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shelton.
Why Choose Mohs Mircrographic Surgery?
- Highest Cure Rates: Up to 99% for BCC and SCC
- Tissue Preservation: Ideal for cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, nose, eyelids, or ears
- Immediate Results: On-site microscopic analysis ensures all cancerous tissue is removed before you leave
- Minimally Invasive, Highly Effective
Whether you’re dealing with a new diagnosis or a recurring lesion, Mohs offers the best balance between complete cancer removal and aesthetic preservation.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
If your physician has confirmed a skin cancer diagnosis and recommended Mohs surgery, don’t delay.
For further education watch Dr. Shelton's Mohs procedure below:
