Plastic Surgery
Skin Cancer
Overview
On a yearly basis, Florida consistently ranks as one of the states with the highest incidences of skin cancer. There are many contributing factors to the high rates, including the high levels of UV radiation exposure due to the sunny climate, the outdoor lifestyle, and the aging population with chronic sun damage. While most skin cancers in Florida consist of nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, Florida has the highest incidence of melanoma in the United States.
Clinical Content
What is Skin Cancer Removal?
Skin cancer removal is the process in which cancerous lesions are removed. Depending on the type of skin cancer you have and the size of your lesion, one of the following methods may be used:
Electrodessication and Curettage
Surgical excision of the skin cancer under local anesthesia, sedation (twilight), or general anesthesia with frozen pathology (immediate results) or permanent pathology (results in 5-10 days).
Mohs micrographic surgery, a method that involves removing thin layers of skin and then testing them for signs of cancer. This process continues until all evidence of cancer is completely gone.
Benefits of Skin Cancer Removal
Surgical excision of most skin cancers remains the gold standard of care. Skin cancer removal prevents lesions from growing bigger or growing into deeper layers of your skin, muscle, or bone. Early removal also reduces the risk of spread to other organs. Removing cancerous lesions often eliminates the need for radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Knowing you have eliminated your cancerous lesion can not only restore your good health but will also help alleviate any anxiety you may experience after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
