PATIENT EDUCATION

Clinical Services

Durango Dermatology offers the full spectrum of skin care needs from diagnosis to treatment.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Skin Cancer Surgery

Dr. Mark Gaughan is a fellow in the American Society of Mohs Surgeons and performs excisions for skin cancers and Mohs surgery for advanced skin cancers. The majority of skin cancers diagnosed at Durango Dermatology are treated by excision under local anesthetic at the office. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is used for recurrent or aggressive skin cancers as well as those located in cosmetically sensitive areas. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a technique that allows for immediate and complete microscopic examination of the surgical specimen by the surgeon giving us the highest reported cure rate.

Dermatopathology Laboratory

Durango Dermatology has an in-house laboratory in which we process our own biopsy and excisional specimens. Dr. Scott Wickless is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist who has special expertise in cutaneous lymphomas, melanocytic lesions and inflammatory disorders. In-house processing and interpretation allows for a faster turn around time on specimens as well improved communication between the clinician and dermatopathologist.

Photodynamic Therapy (Blue Light)

Photodynamic Therapy is a procedural therapy approved for the treatment of Actinic Keratoses. Actinic Keratoses are precancerous lesions with the potential to develop into skin cancers. Photodynamic Therapy is an alternative to cryotherapy and topical therapy. Photodynamic Therapy is an effective treatment option with minimal downtime. While at the office, a photosensitizing agent is applied to the face and/or scalp. After allowing the medication to absorb for about one hour, the patient is placed under the blue light. This creates a reaction that destroys precancerous cells. A patient can expect redness to bronzing for several days following the treatment.