Dermatologists are tasked with a challenging, yet vital goal: take care of patients’ largest organ in the body — the skin. Part of this challenge involves educating the public about the risk of skin cancer and encouraging everyone to get their skin checked. In many communities around the United States and especially in areas like Montana, where many residents work outdoors in the agriculture industry and enjoy nature activities such as hiking and fishing, people are at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to years of sun exposure.
When people take proactive steps to protect their skin and take the time to get regular skin checks by board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Eric Maranda, M.D., F.A.A.D., they could be saving their own lives.
Recently, when a patient came to see Dr. Maranda for a bothersome skin tag, he encouraged the patient to get a full-body skin exam, which revealed a suspicious spot on her back. After an expedited biopsy, Dr. Maranda's suspicions were confirmed. The diagnosis came back as a melanoma, a deadly form of cancer. He promptly scheduled the patient for surgery, and the cancer was successfully removed in the clinic. Dr. Maranda noted that as he completed the surgery, he could only think of her timely diagnosis, since her father had died from melanoma.
Dr. Maranda’s passion for dermatology began at an early age. As a child, he suffered an accidental and painful burn on his lower extremities, requiring hospitalization. The psychological and physical scars help him connect with patients suffering from skin disorders on a personal level.
As a medical student, Dr. Maranda investigated the use of cell therapy in a clinical trial to help treat burn victims at a hospital in Miami, Florida. The findings from this study intensified his passion for caring for patients' skin health.
As the founder of Yellowstone Dermatology Associates, he has dedicated his practice to clinical dermatology with a special interest in skin cancer surgery.
Dr. Maranda practices Mohs surgery in his clinic, which he describes as the gold standard for removing skin cancer. “It is the technique with the highest rates of skin cancer removal where we can cure the patient in office,” Maranda explained. This method allows the doctors to evaluate the sample in the lab while the patient is still in the office so that they can remove more of the tumor if necessary and send the patient home cancer-free. Mohs surgery also allows doctors to take less skin from the affected spot, which is especially valuable in areas of the body such as the face and head.
The team at Yellowstone Dermatology Associates ensures every patient is treated with the utmost privacy and compassion. They have also taken steps to ensure that dermatology care is accessible to everyone in the Billings area. Dr. Maranda maintains an open-door policy, meaning that patients don’t require a referral to be seen by him. “There are some things that can’t wait and are time-sensitive in dermatology, such as rashes and skin cancer. So when someone calls my office, there is no automated machine. Someone is going to answer the phone and if someone needs to be seen, I’ll fit them in,” he said.
If you are overdue for your annual skin exam or have concerns about your skin, hair or nails, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Maranda by calling 406-702-1323. To learn more about Yellowstone Dermatology Associates, which insurances are accepted and what to expect during your visit, visit the clinic’s website at yellowstonederm.com.
