SKIN CANCER PREVENTION,
DETECTION, AND TREATMENT

Rao Dermatology is proud to offer comprehensive and state of the art medical dermatology services for the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer.

Here at Rao Dermatology, we are equipped with the most advanced non-invasive technology and staff to fully utilize them in order to diagnose skin cancer, especially melanoma. Our team is trained to find skin cancer that may not be visible to the naked eye using special tools like Dermascopy and Confocal Microscopy.

PREVENTION

Skin Cancer Exams:

The first step in skin cancer prevention is routine skin cancer exams. A skin exam entails our staff checking your skin, from head to toe or at your comfort level for any suspicious moles, spots or anything new or changing that you may have noticed. Skin cancer exams are usually done annually, but the frequency can depend on your medical history.

Mole Mapping:

For high risk patients with personal and familial histories of melanoma and other skin cancers, one of the most reliable ways to track new and changing pigmented lesions is with side-by-side comparisons of baseline and follow up photos. Total Body Imaging is done in our office and the appointment takes around 30 minutes. These images are used at each visit to serve as a baseline and to track and changes that may occur to your moles.

DETECTION

Dermoscopy:

Dermoscopy, which is at the forefront of non-invasive pigmented lesion analysis, makes it possible to discern the patterns within moles that help us evaluate their potential for harm. Highly specialized equipment and training allow us to be more selective and more accurate when determining if and when surgery is necessary.

Confocal Microscopy:

Confocal Microscopy allows for high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of benign and malignant pigmented lesions, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and inflammatory skin conditions. Thin sections of tissue can be imaged allowing visualization of the cellular detail without biopsy. These images can then be analyzed by a trained Confocalist

TREATMENT

Photodynamic Therapy:

For sun-damaged skin and precancerous actinic keratoses, our patients can take advantage of non-invasive photodynamic therapy (PDT). Unlike biopsies, cryosurgery, or electrodessication, PDT allows for treatment of an entire area of sun damage, reducing the chance that undetected pre-cancerous cells will be left untreated.

Mole Removal:

Moles are a common occurrence on the skin that are usually benign. Moles can be present since birth (birthmarks) or they can start appearing during childhood and adolescence, usually on sun-exposed areas of the body. Whenever a new mole appears, or an old mole starts to change in color or size, or becomes itchy or painful, it should be examined by a dermatologist who has experience in evaluating moles and pigmented lesions. Some individuals have hundreds of moles, making it difficult to self-monitor them, which makes regular examinations by a dermatologist even more important. Patients with a family history of cancerous moles have an even higher risk of melanoma.

MOHS Micrographic Surgery:

The treatment of choice for cancers of the face and other sensitive areas, the MOHS technique allows the physician to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact and unharmed. MOHS Surgery is done in our office, your appointment can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. The skin cancer is tested on site to assure that you are cancer free when leaving the office.

TESTIMONIALS

“I have been going to Dr. Rao for a few years, and am very satisfied with the quality of service and care.”

Sidney, Rao Dermatology Patient

“Both my husband and I have visited Rao Dermatology for over 20 years.”

Lisa, Rao Dermatology Patient

“The best dermatologist I have ever seen.”

Haley, Rao Dermatology Patient

“He is very professional and caring about any concern you have.”

- Rao Dermatology Patient

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. My daughter has been treated for over 3 years elsewhere and our new insurance sent us here. I cannot believe how fast they acted to keep my daughter on track with the only treatment that has worked."

- Rao Dermatology Patient

"The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. I went in about a year ago to help get rid of my acne and my skin has never been better. They're usually on track with their appointment times so you're in and out in a timely manner. They've also helped diagnose and treat my husbands psoriasis."

- Rao Dermatology Patient

"This office is great and I am glad that we were able to come here. They give you a lot of information, and sometimes it's hard to process/remember, but they are very patient until you understand. I would definitely recommend them."

- Rao Dermatology Patient

"My experience has always been awesome here in Hanford. The staff are wonderful and make you feel like family!!!!"

- Rao Dermatology Patient

"Love the staff, everyone is so nice and friendly"

- Rao Dermatology Patient

- Cassidy

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We recently lost our insurance. ( anthem pulled out of central cal) my daughter has been treated for over 3 years elsewhere and our new ins sent us here. I cannot believe how fast they acted to keep my daughter on track with the only treatment that has worked. They took us in on short notice. Squeezed us in at 730am to accommodate us. ( we live an hour away ) and did everything possible to make sure my daughter had what she needed. My daughter was so worried. Dr Rao made everything all good. Sounds kinda silly but unless you have a 14 1/2 year old daughter you just cannot understand how important their service was today. Holly, griselle , all top notch. All I can say is thank you again."

- Matt

"I have been coming to Rao Dermatology for a few months . And it is my Honor to say that all the Staff are VERY PROFESSIONAL AND RESPECTFUL. All the Ladies are very Beautiful and are so concerned about their patients. Their Happy Attitudes are contagious. Love them all. Thank You Dr. Rao and Ladies. I look forward to my next appointment."

- James

"Doctor Rao has been my dermatologist for 6 years. He is one of the foremost authorities on skin cancer in the country, but what really makes him special is the way he communicates his knowledge to his patients. He is an excellent doctor, and has removed several moles for me with minimal or no scarring. He is also very cautious and not aggressive about treatment, and always puts the health of his patients first. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great dermatologist, whether for skin cancer or cosmetic purposes."

- Anna

"I have been going to this office for a few months and everyone in this office is extremely friendly and is able to answer all questions I have asked. I have been going weekly for acne treatments and have seen great results so far. I also had a cyst removed a few weeks ago and have zero complaints."

- Angela

"I was treated with excellent customer service! Everyone was so friendly! The girls in the front were more than willing to answer all my questions and help me select the best product for my face! The room assistants were great and were there to answer any other questions I had. The clinicians were very specific on what treatment would be best for my condition and they were right! It worked! I would recommend this office to everyone!!! It was by far the most caring group of professionals I have ever had. It wasn't just a business but it was a place where I could go and know I was well taken care of no matter how severe the case is. They are the best!"

- Trisha