05
Jan
New Orleans area dermatologist describes melanoma
When patients in the New Orleans area are diagnosed with skin cancer, they are educated on the type of cancer that they have. Skin cancer is grouped into two types: melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are not as aggressive as melanoma. Melanoma is actually the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it is caused by a mutation trigged from damaged skin cells that multiply quickly to develop malignant tumors that easily metastasize.
Melanoma can take many different forms, but in many cases, they develop from moles or resemble a mole. This is why patients who have moles on their bodies that begin to change in color, shape, or appearance are urged to visit a dermatologist for an examination. Dr. Mary Lupo and the dedicated staff of the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology provide skin cancer screenings and encourage patients to have them done regularly, at least once a year to monitor for any abnormalities that may signify the development of skin cancer.
Melanoma can be a variety of colors including white, pink, red, purple, skin-colored, black, or brown. They may be fatal if patients do not receive a proper diagnosis and seek immediate treatment. Studies by the American Cancer Society have revealed that approximately 120,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year. Nearly 10,000 individuals in the United States die each year from the condition. The numbers are staggering and should not be ignored.
Most skin cancers are a result of UV exposure. Patients who have had intense or occasional sunburns are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer, as well as those who are genetically predisposed. Tanning bed use is responsible for an increased incidence of melanoma in females under age 30.
In most situations where melanoma and non-melanoma cancers are present, patients need to seek medical treatment for removing the cancerous skin cells. Dr. Mary Lupo may suggest traditional surgical excision available in her office, or may provide a referral for a treatment known as Mohs micrographic surgery. Most patients will undergo outpatient office surgery to remove the areas of skin cancer, and will then discuss prevention to keep the condition from reoccurring.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. – Connect on Instagram
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 – Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.