Skin Cancer Removal Overview
Skin cancer removal involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Skin cancer removal, or skin cancer excision, is when a surgeon cuts out a squamous cell carcinoma, a basal cell carcinoma, a melanoma or another type of skin cancer. A board-certified plastic surgeon is an excellent choice for this type of procedure because he or she can not only remove the skin cancer but also reconstruct the excision area and minimize scarring.
Reconstructive Skin Cancer Removal Surgery
A common treatment for certain types of skin cancer is surgical removal to prevent the cancer from spreading. Excising a mole or tumor leaves behind a hole in the skin, which can be particularly noticeable on the delicate features of the face.
Reconstructive skin cancer surgery involves the closure of that hole, restoring skin and other vital tissues to the area with an emphasis on minimizing scarring, preserving function, and achieving natural aesthetically pleasing results. There are a variety of skin cancer reconstructive surgery techniques available, depending on the location of the site of cancer removal and the size of the area to be repaired.
Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the general term for the abnormal growth of cells in the skin, attributable mostly to damage from ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun and other sources, such as bulbs in tanning beds.
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma
Though the most common form, basal cell carcinoma, is not usually fatal—especially if detected and treated early—it can significantly impact the area where it is found, growing into the surrounding skin. This cancer often appears on the face and neck, as these areas experience significant sun exposure. Since these areas are also so prominent, many patients choose reconstructive skin cancer surgery after the cancerous tissue is removed.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. Caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, it appears most commonly on areas of the body with the greatest sun exposure. BCCs are normally painless and slow to develop. They can look like ulcers or open sores or scars, with a pale waxy appearance being quite common. BCCs spread to other areas extremely rarely but if left to grow they can be extremely disfiguring when finally removed.
BCCs are easily treated in their early stages. The larger the tumor has grown, however, the more extensive the treatment needed. While BCCs seldom spread to vital organs, they can cause major disfigurement and occasionally result in nerve or muscle injury. Certain rare, aggressive forms can be lethal if not treated promptly.
When small skin cancers are removed, the scars are usually cosmetically acceptable. If the tumors are very large, a skin graft or flap may be used to repair the wound in order to achieve the best cosmetic result and facilitate healing.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Types
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is also the most aggressive and deadly. Surgical removal may be an option in some cases, but other typical treatments include medication, radiation, and chemotherapy. Anyone undergoing treatment for skin cancer is encouraged to speak with Dr. Michael K. Kim to explore their options for reconstructive skin cancer surgery as necessary.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and Florida has the highest rates of melanoma in the United States. It has the potential to grow and spread, invade the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain or even bone. Early detection, diagnosis and surgery are the most important factors in achieving a positive result when treating melanoma. For more information on melanoma, please visit the official Skin Cancer Foundation's website.
