More than a Mole: How Plastic Surgeons Treat Skin Cancer
Many people are not aware that plastic surgeons can help patients effectively treat conditions that directly threaten their health, like skin cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, melanoma rates have increased exponentially in the past few decades. These rates show no sign of slowing down.
At Premier Plastic Surgery, our expert professionals help boost patient’s confidence through a comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments. Residents near the Bethel Park, PA area undergo weight loss balloon procedures and other beauty therapies at our medical centers every day. Our plastic surgeons can also perform a variety of surgeries and therapies while offering a level of cosmetic expertise and care that the average general surgeon may not be equipped to provide.
Diagnosis
Some patients come directly to us after identifying an odd mark on their body or a mole that appears to be changing. In other cases, patients are referred to us by their physicians. If one of our plastic surgeons determines that the tissue may potentially be malignant, they will have a biopsy — a tissue sample — analyzed by a pathologist, who may confirm a skin cancer diagnosis.
A positive diagnosis will most likely be one of three common types:
- Melanoma, which resembles a dark lesion or brown mole with variable texture or size
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which appears as a flat, scaly, or crusty lesion or a red, firm nodule
- Basal Cell Carcinoma, which occurs as a flesh-colored or brown bump with a waxy or pearly texture.
Treatment
After diagnosis, the surgeon will typically recommend excision surgery to remove the affected tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon protects and preserves as much healthy tissue as possible to mitigate scarring and make reconstructive surgery an easier process. Depending on the nature of the cancer, the surgeon may be able to immediately perform this secondary surgery. Our plastic surgery experts are trained in the most advanced techniques available for preserving and restoring a patient’s natural appearance.
The length of the recovery period can vary with each patient. Their surgeon will give them some guidelines, like keeping the incision site clean and protected while avoiding unnecessary stretching or movement that may put stress on the area. Although current medical science cannot guarantee full remission of any form of cancer, early detection and swift surgical treatment provide the best chance at a positive outcome.
For additional questions about how we treat skin cancer, or to inquire about the other procedures we provide in the wider Canonsburg, PA area, like hair restoration surgery, call 724-264-3608 today.
