Skin Cancer Excision & Reconstruction

Skin Cancer Excision and Reconstruction

In this beautiful sun-drenched Arizona landscape, it’s very important to properly protect yourself from the sun. Excess exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to the development of skin cancer. If you have a suspicious lesion, spot, or mole on your skin, it is important to see a skin cancer specialist immediately.

What is skin cancer?

The majority of skin cancer falls into one of three cancer types: melanoma, basal cell cancer, or squamous cell cancer. Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are the most common types of skin cancers. They are thought to be a result of chronic daily sun exposure over a lifetime. Melanoma is believed to be associated with extreme sunburns. Skin cancer is much less dangerous if caught and treated early. Our specialists at Regency treat all types of skin cancer, and we will be happy to help you.

Skin cancer excision

While cancer treatments have progressed immensely, many people have concerns regarding their appearance after skin cancer is treated. At Regency, the excision of the skin cancer always prioritizes the removal of the cancer above all else to ensure the survival and quality of life of the patient.

However, we recognize that people also have concerns regarding how their skin will be reconstructed once the skin cancer has been removed. Our plastic reconstructive surgeons are also able to repair the defect after skin cancer excision in the most aesthetic way possible. We will be happy to discuss any concerns with you during your consultation.

Skin cancer excision details

Most skin cancers can be treated with comfortable, in-office excision and repaired during the first office visit. On the day of your surgery, the area to be treated will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Your surgeon will then remove the tumor with a scalpel, as well as the surrounding healthy skin.

If you are not having Mohs surgery, the tissue that was removed will be sent to be examined. With Mohs surgery, the tissue is examined during the surgery.

What happens after the tumor and tissue is removed will depend on the specific reconstructive decisions that you and your surgeon have previously made. If you have chosen to undergo reconstruction, it will be performed at this time, before the wound is closed.

Skin cancer and Mohs surgery

Regency is proud to include Mohs trained dermatologists who are able to combine the excision power of the Mohs technique with the reconstructive finesse of plastic surgery.

Regency Specialties: Skin cancer specialists

Please call us for a consultation if you are interested in skin cancer excision and reconstruction. At Regency Specialties, we are proud to include outstanding skin cancer specialists on our team. We are a patient-centric practice delivering the very best in surgery from our skin cancer specialists. We keep your safety and wellbeing in mind at all times, and you will feel completely welcome from the moment you enter our door to your very last follow-up appointment. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call 623-243-9077 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you.

FAQ

How will the surgeon know that all of the cancer has been removed successfully?

The answer to this question will vary based on the type and location of the procedure. With Mohs surgery, the tissue is removed layer by layer as the surgeon examines each layer under a microscope as the procedure is performed. This will allow the surgeon to ensure that all of the cancer has been removed before closing up the surgical site.

What kind of cosmetic issues can the skin reconstruction address?

Common problems that people have after the cancer has been removed include the asymmetry of the skin appearance from one side of the body to the other, the tightness of the skin, the inhibition of movement, and the possibility of sagging skin. All of these problems can be addressed by a plastic surgeon, and because every patient is different, every case will be handled on an individual basis.

What kind of results should be expected after the surgical procedure has been finished?

The results will vary based on the type of skin cancer and its severity. Larger cancer sites will mandate larger procedures, and will be tougher to correct. However, all of these expectations should be discussed in detail with your plastic surgeon before the procedure day. We have experienced plastic surgeons who have handled a wide variety of skin cancer excisions and reconstruction cases.

What is the best way to prevent skin cancer?

The vast majority of skin cancers can be prevented with generous daily application of SPF 50 sunblock containing zinc oxide to all sun-exposed areas. Physical sunblocks such as hats, shirts, and quick-dry surfer rash guards are also strongly encouraged. It is believed that the majority of sun exposure (90%) is encountered before the age of 20. This is why proper sun protection principles need to be encouraged and reinforced early in children’s lives. In fact, we encourage people to incorporate daily application of sunblock into the morning routine — right alongside brushing teeth and combing hair.