Dermatologist Dr. Robert Ecker has established his practice at 1720 Gunbarrel Road with Regional Dermatology Associates, an affiliate of Asthma, Immunology & Allergy Associates.
Dr. Ecker’s new location features in-office surgical facilities to support MMS as well as general dermatology services. He is the first Mohs-trained surgeon to practice in Chattanooga. MMS stands for Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
His office said, "Dr. Ecker is a dermatologist with a message for the growing number of men and women experiencing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The message is that for most people, MMS is a better option."
A graduate of the University of Colorado and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr. Ecker completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, where Dr. Frederic E. Mohs first developed MMS in 1936. The procedure, which has been highly refined through the years, results in five-year cure rates as high as 99% for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, which is 5-to-10 times better than traditional procedures, it was stated.
With traditional skin cancer surgery, in an effort to remove all the cancerous tissue, a physician removes the visible cancer and a substantial amount of healthy tissue around it. The removed skin is then sent to a lab for microscopic evaluation. The possibility exists that if the surgeon did not remove all the cancer the first time, a second and more invasive procedure will be needed.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery combines the surgery and the microscopic examination to help ensure the cancer is removed in one setting. The Mohs surgeon removes the tumor from the surface and the smallest possible amount of healthy tissue around it. He then examines the tissue microscopically, studying the shape of the tumor and mapping where cancerous tissue is most likely to hide below the surface.
Dr. Ecker said, "With this map of the tumor, the Mohs surgeon then removes the cancer and leaves as much healthy tissue as possible undisturbed. In most cases the result is a better outcome, improved long-term rates of cure, less scarring and fewer returns for a second surgery. With less potential scarring, MMS is especially useful for highly visible areas such as the face, neck, arms and hands. Healing can be faster as well."
Dr. Ecker performs MMS in the office under local anesthetic. The procedure is covered by most insurance programs.
“The dermatologist trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery is trained not only to treat general diseases of the skin,” says Dr. Ecker, “We are also trained to perform the surgery and histopathology essential to diagnosing and treating skin cancer with the Mohs procedure.” Dr. Ecker anticipates 40 to 50 percent of his practice will focus on MMS, while the remainder will be treatment of general skin ailments and diseases among adults and children.
Dr. Ecker is a member of the American Society of MOHS Surgery.
Regional Dermatology Associates (RDA) was founded in 2005 as a partnership among members of Asthma, Immunology and Allergy Associates, which includes Dr. Robert Younger, III, Dr. Michael Hollie, Dr. Susan Raschal, Dr. Russell Walker and Dr. Curt Chaffin The group expanded to include Dr. Larry Erickson, who opened the first RDA office last year on Battlefield Parkway. Dr. Ecker is the second dermatologist to join the practice.
More information about Dr. Ecker and Mohs Micrographic Surgery can be obtained by calling Regional Dermatology Associates at 423-499-4100.