Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend filling out new patient paperwork HERE prior to your arrival. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early if this is your first visit as a new patient. Dr. Landis offers and recommends full skin checks for all new patients, especially if you have had a skin cancer in the past. Dermatologists often find skin cancers that patients are unaware of. Skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body, and Dr. Landis can’t see through clothes. It is a good idea to get a good overall check. 

Have a list of your current medications. Even better – bring your current medications with you.

If you have a history of skin cancer, it is extremely helpful to have your skin cancer history records faxed or mailed to our office prior to your appointment.

Please do not wear make-up or nail polish on the day of your appointment. They cover and hide whatever is below.

Our office requires 24-hour notification prior to the time of your scheduled appointment to cancel or reschedule.  Due to the high demand for office appointments, the hospital requires that we strictly enforce this.  Thank you for your understanding.  To cancel or reschedule, please call (812) 734-3881 as soon as you can and leave a message if we miss your call. 

Not all skin cancers are the same, melanoma has the greatest potential to spread quickly and be fatal. 

Melanoma represents five percent of skin cancers but causes 85% of the skin cancer deaths. Treatment is almost always surgical excision and may combine radiation therapy and chemo therapy. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the next most dangerous as it can also, although not too commonly when caught and treated early, spread internally and can spread to skin from an internal cancer. This can also arise from the transformation of an actinic keratosis to SCC. Treatment can be surgical or cryosurgery depending on the tumor stage. In rare advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma other adjuncts are used.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is usually localized and in very rare instances can spread internally. BCC can be treated by surgical excision, electrodessication and curettage and superficially with topical chemotherapy.

The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis, frequent self-screening and skin cancer surveillance by a board-certified Dermatologist at an interval determined by the patient’s history, family history and sun exposure history.

Actinic keratosis is an atypical growth that may be pre-cancerous. It is called pre-cancer because a small percentage of lesions over time may become a squamous cell cancer. Actinic keratoses appear as scaly, firm papules that are usually more felt than seen. They may be treated with different methods, including cryotherapy or topical prescriptions.

Yes. This is the expected and required response to clear the precancerous cells. It will get better!  Do not put the medication on open skin wounds.  Once you have reached this point, you have completed the course of medication.

There are steps you can take to help it heal more quickly.  We recommend compresses with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar per one cup of water to help soothe the skin.  Keep the skin moist with Vaseline.  You can also use over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% ointment (NOT cream – it will burn) twice daily for a few days to help calm the inflammation and help the skin heal more quickly. Please call the office if you are having any issues or questions.

Mohs is a surgery performed to conserve tissue and ensure the cancer is removed by looking at it microscopically before the area is closed up. The procedure takes several hours since the surgeon will take small amounts of tissue until the cancer is no longer seen at the edge of the specimen. Most of the time for the patient is spent in the waiting room while the tissue is processed and evaluated. Once the cancer is removed, the area is typically closed.

On the day of surgery, you should take your medications as directed, wear warm clothing (rooms get cold), bring some food to eat, and bring something to occupy your time, if desired (i.e., book, magazine, etc.). Plan to stay 4-5 hours at the clinic.

A dysplastic nevus is not a cancer, but rather an atypical nevus. Depending on its type and appearance, your physician may recommend an excision to ensure its complete removal.

The American Academy of Dermatology has fantastic and detailed recommendations that can be found HERE.