Surgical Dermatology

As a dermatopathologist, Dr. Thompson has a high level of expertise in skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as common and rare benign tumors, skin tags, moles and cysts.

Diagnosis and treatments for skin cancer and benign growths include:

  • Skin Biopsy:
    A portion of skin is removed for diagnostic testing. Skin biopsies are commonly performed on dark spots, moles or other skin lesions to determine if they are cancerous. As a board-certified dermatopathologist, Dr. Thompson will examine the removed tissue through a microscope to establish a proper diagnosis.
  • Cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen freezing):
    Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen, a cold liquefied gas, to freeze and destroy superficial skin growths such as warts and keratoses.
  • Curettage & Desiccation (C&D):
    Curettage and desiccation (C&D) is a surgical procedure commonly used in the treatment of some basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The skin cancer is scraped away, and then the area is cauterized.
  • Surgical Excision (surgical removal):
    Surgical excision of any number of skin lesions — from benign cysts and lipomas to skin cancers — can often ensure complete removal.
  • Mohs Surgery:
    This specialized surgical procedure is used to treat skin cancers, typically of the head and neck. Recurrent or more advanced tumors of the rest of the body are sometimes treated with Mohs surgery as well. The technique offers a high cure rate and is as minimally invasive as possible, removing only the skin with the tumor in it.