+ KANSAS Healthcare Profiles
Questions about
skin cancer?
Answers from
a dermatologic
surgeon.
“There is an epidemic of
skin cancer in this country,”
says John Adams, MD,
a board-certified dermatologist,
Fellow of the American Society
for Dermatologic Surgery,
and Fellow member of the
American Society for Mohs
Surgery. One of only a few Mohs surgeons in Kansas,
Dr. Adams addresses treatment and prevention.
Q: Who is at risk for skin cancer?
A: Everyone. The number of skin cancer cases
continues to escalate. Unfortunately, there are not
enough dermatologists to adequately serve patients,
and the dermatologist is the true expert when it
comes to the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Q: What is Mohs surgery?
A: Developed by Dr. Fredrick Mohs, it is a precise
procedure used primarily for the removal of lesions
on the head, neck, hands, feet, and genitalia.
Referred to as “complex” or “high-risk,” these areas
of skin have a higher potential for recurrence as
well as the need to conserve healthy tissue for both
cosmetic and functional reasons. Mohs surgery has
revolutionized the treatment of skin cancer and is
the gold standard for treating these areas.
Q: Can Mohs be used on other parts of
the body?
A: Yes, especially to treat aggressive tumors or when
a patient has a compromised immune system.
Q: How effective is Mohs surgery?
A: It produces the highest cure rate with the
smallest amount of healthy skin removal and
scarring. Over the past 20 years, I have been gratified
by the excellent results I have seen.
Q: Can Mohs surgery be used for
Melanoma and non-Melanoma skin cancer?
A: In the hands of an experienced dermatologic
surgeon, it can be used for Melanoma, Squamous
cell cancer, and Basal cell cancer, when appropriate.
© 2015 Advent Media Group
Q: What do you recommend for skin
cancer prevention?
A: Avoid sun exposure during peak times, 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m., use broad-spectrum UVA/UVB
sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when
possible. We generally recommend an annual,
full-body skin exam. For those with a history of
skin cancer, we recommend an exam every six
months or even more frequently, depending on
the patient’s medical history.
Q: What would you like readers to
know about your practice?
A: We strive to provide professional, compassionate
care with a strong emphasis on the human touch.
Our staff has been carefully selected to ensure that
they can provide this type of service to each patient.
We also provide services to communities that may
not have a dermatologist or Mohs surgeon nearby.
Cosmetic
Treatments
to Polish
Your Look
Dr. Adams’ office
offers patients safe,
comfortable,
well-proven
treatments for
removal of
unwanted hair,
age spots, and
vascular lesions.
For those with
moderate to severe
frown lines,
he recommends
Botox® Cosmetic
injections to achieve
a smoother, more
relaxed appearance.