Skin Cancer Specialist

What is skin cancer?

Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells. This growth often destroys other nearby cells and tissues. Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer and frequently appears in skin cells that get lots of sun exposure, like those on your face, scalp, and arms.

The several forms of skin cancer vary based on the type of skin cell they affect. Melanoma, an uncommon skin cancer that is more serious than other forms, originates in cells called melanocytes. These cells give your skin its pigment (color).

If you develop melanoma, it’s likely because ultraviolet light from the sun or an artificial source has altered the DNA of your melanocytes. Melanoma is a grave concern. If left untreated, melanoma can spread throughout your body. The surgeons at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, can often treat it with surgery before that happens.

What are some symptoms of skin cancer?

Melanoma and other skin cancers can take on many features. You should get to know the common warning signs if you’re not already familiar with them. The three most common forms of skin cancer share some common symptoms but are different in other ways. Their warning signs include:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC often appears as either a red nodule or a flat, sore area with a crusty or flaky surface.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

BCC varies but can appear as a waxy bump, a flat dark spot similar to a scar, or a sore that frequently scabs or bleeds.

Melanoma

Melanoma can appear as a new lesion or affect a mole that you already have. If it involves an existing mole, you might notice changes in the mole’s color, size, and borders. It might also itch or burn.

In general, if you notice any new or changing skin lesions, you should report them right away to your primary care physician or dermatologist.

How does skin cancer surgery work?

Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, offers a couple of surgeries for skin cancer like melanoma. Skin cancer surgery removes the cancerous lesion itself. It won’t deal with any cancer that has already spread to other areas of your body. That will have to be treated separately.

Depending on the kind of cancer you have and where it is, your surgeon chooses a particular surgery to deal with it.

A wide excision involves removing the lesion plus a marginal area of skin around it. After the procedure, your surgeon stitches the opening. You’ll likely have a lasting scar once it heals.

Another skin cancer surgery, called Mohs surgery, doesn’t require removing healthy tissue around the lesion. Instead, your surgeon removes a small bit of the lesion at a time before taking it under a microscope to identify cancerous cells. They use their findings from the microscope to guide the next surgical removal.

Your surgeon repeats this process until you no longer have any cancerous cells in the removed sample. Mohs surgery works well for thin areas of skin that can’t afford to lose much volume, like your eyelids and ears.

To schedule your consultation for skin cancer surgery, call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, today or book an appointment online.