Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. The good news, however, is that it can be treated if caught early. Even better news is that the two most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, generally do not metastasize or spread to another part of the body. Removal is thus generally a straightforward outpatient procedure.
What Does Skin Cancer Removal Involve?
Ideally, skin cancer removal is a simple excision. They may also remove a border of apparently healthy tissue to make sure no cancer cells get left behind. Similarly, they may use cauterization or liquid nitrogen to kill any cancer cells that they may have missed. In other cases, Dr. Stephan Salerno may have to refer the patient to a hospital for treatment. The type of procedure you need can be determined at your consultation, so you won’t have to worry about unknowns.
What Is the Recovery Like?
The length of the recovery can depend on the type of treatment needed. A patient who had the cancer excised at the office can generally resume their usual routine after leaving. Someone who needed to go to the hospital may face a longer recovery period.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
When Dr. Salerno finds a suspicious-looking mole or growth, he may take a tissue biopsy and send it to a pathology lab. When taking a tissue biopsy, Dr. Salerno may numb the area and then surgically remove the growth to send it to the lab. Similarly, when excising skin cancer, Dr. Salerno may take a tissue sample to send to the pathology lab to make sure that he got all of the cancer.
Patients can help themselves by performing monthly self-exams in which they examine themselves from head to toe for signs of possible skin cancer. If they find a suspicious mole or growth, they can call Dr. Salerno.
When Can Someone Get Checked for Skin Cancer?
Patients can use the ABCDE Rule for deciding whether they can have a mole checked out. While moles are generally harmless, they can turn cancerous. Signs that a mole might be turning cancerous include the following:
A = Asymmetry
B = Border
C= Color
D = Diameter
E =Evolving
To learn more about skin cancer or schedule an appointment, consider speaking with the professionals at REAL Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery. We are conveniently located in Moonee Ponds and Werribee. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
