Skin cancer is a condition where abnormal cells in the skin proliferate and form tumors.

What Are The Types of Skin Cancer and Their Characteristics?

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• The commonest form of skin cancer
• The least aggressive form of skin cancer
• Occurs primarily on areas of skin that receive sun exposure, such as face, neck, shoulders, back, and ears
• Often appears as a raised, smooth, pearly bump; sometimes bleeding and crusting occur
• Often mistaken for a sore that does not heal

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• More aggressive type than basal cell.
• Sometimes develops from actinic keratoses
• Occurs in sun-exposed areas (face, lip, neck, shoulders, back, ears); also can occur in unexposed areas such as the external genitalia, fingers, toes and the soles of the feet.
• Usually a red, scaly patch.

Melanoma

• The most aggressive form of skin cancer
• Has a high rate of metastasis if not treated early
• Appears as mole-like lesions which often have irregular borders
• Usually brown or black, but can be purplish-blue

Who Is Most Likely To Get Skin Cancer?

Males are more than twice as likely as females to get skin cancer, probably for occupational reasons.

Generally skin cancer is more likely with:

• Sun exposure, especially if multiple sunburns have occurred
• Family history of skin cancer
• Immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients

Treatments for Skin Cancer:

• Surgical Excision
• Curettage and Electrodesiccation
• Cryosurgery
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery
• Has a very high cure rate

What Does Skin Cancer Surgery Involve?

• Surgical excision is done with traditional techniques and instruments to cut out the tumor.
• Curettage and desiccation involves excision with an instrument called a curette, followed by application of electrical current to cauterize the area.
• Mohs surgery involves a multi-step procedure involving cutting sections of the tumor and subsequent micrographic examination. In this way, the extent of the tumor involvement can be determined, and the best margin for excision therefore obtained.

Are You A Candidate for Skin Cancer Surgery?

You may be a good candidate for skin cancer surgery if:

• You have any of the forms of skin cancer

What Are The Advantages Of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

• Extremely meticulous procedure that has low rate of recurrence and excellent cure rate (98%)

How Long Does It Take?

Depends on the type and extent of tumor.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually one, but follow-up may be required.

What Are My Alternatives for Skin Cancer Treatment?

• No really good alternatives.

Will I Have Pain?

There is local anesthesia during the excision procedure, but there may be slight pain post-operatively. This is easily managed by over-the-counter analgesics.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

Immediately.

Who Will Perform My Skin Cancer Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained dermatologists.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at (800) 506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies should cover this procedure, but you should check with your individual insurer to be sure.