Skin Cancer of the Face

  • Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells of the skin

  • It is most often caused by sun exposure/damage

  • Skin cancer can occur in all people regardless of skin color or pigmentation

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer

  • Actinic keratosis is a risk factor for developing skin cancer often occurring on the lower lip and face

  • Melanoma accounts for less than 1% of all skin cancers but the majority of skin cancer deaths

  • Squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma can occur within the oral cavity and are not related to sun exposure

  • The Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery advocates safe sun practice with proper clothing, hats and sunscreens with at least an SPF of 15

  • The UMOMSA Head & Neck Cancer team utilize various techniques including laser therapy and surgery to treat both pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions

  • Surgical reconstruction is performed both in the UMOMSA office practice (650 West Baltimore St, Ste#1401) or at the University of Maryland Medical Center