SKIN CANCER EXCISION AND RECONSTRUCTION
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 500,000 new cases each year. 80% of these lesions appear on the face, head, or neck. Anyone can get skin cancer regardless of age, race, or skin type. The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation, most often from the sun, but also from artificial sources like sunlamps and tanning booths. Following removal of a skin cancer, reconstruction may be necessary to restore the normal contour of the skin or face.
Initial Consultation for Scar Cancer Excision & Reconstruction Surgery
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss with you the treatment and reconstructive options that are available. This will involve a complete medical history, and an examination of the skin and soft tissue of the area of concern. Dr. Hyman will suggest an appropriate procedure and answer any questions that you might have. Skin cancer removal is often performed in conjunction with a dermatologist.
Skin Cancer Excision & Reconstruction Surgery
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing part or all of a growth and allowing a pathologist to examine it under a microscope. If the cancer is small, it can be removed in the office under local anesthesia. If the cancer is large or has spread to the lymph nodes, more extensive surgery in the hospital may be required. In some cases, a dermatologist will perform MOHS surgery in his or her office (a procedure in which the cancer is shaved off one layer at a time and examined under the microscope until all cancer cells have been removed) and send the patient to Dr. Hyman for immediate reconstruction of the defect.
Skin Cancer Follow-up
Following excision and reconstruction of skin cancer, regular follow-up appointments are necessary for both suture removal and evaluation for possible recurrence. These appointments are a vital part of your treatment. Sunscreen should be worn every day as part of a regimen for prevention of future cancers. .
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.