Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Los Angeles by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
About Surgery for Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with more than one-half million cases reported each year. Skin cancers can be found over the entire body and are especially common in sun exposed areas such as the face, head and neck. Individuals with fair-colored skin are much more likely to be affected than individuals with darker skin, which is more resistant to the damaging effects of sunlight.
Types of Skin Cancer
Most types of skin cancer are small and, if treated early, are usually treated with surgical removal. Small areas such as lumps and bumps which appear to be growing in size or have a “heaped up” or circular appearance are more suspicious for skin cancers.
Most types of skin cancers are benign, or unlikely to spread to other parts of the body and cause additional damage to the patient. Most of these small cancers are called basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas.
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common and tend to occur in older individuals who have had a long history of exposure to sunlight. Again, when caught early, most of these can be treated with simple surgical removal.
Squamous cell carcinomas are another type of skin cancer and they are the second most common type. These types of cancers can become life-threatening if not treated, but most squamous cell cancers, if caught early, can be treated with simple surgical excision just like basal cell carcinomas.
Malignant melanoma is much more dangerous. Malignant melanomas tend to present as dark, irregular, “heaped up” or ulcerated spots. These must be aggressively treated and require a much more involved treatment course and much more significant surgery for removal in most cases. If treated early enough, this sort of cancer can be cured, but cases of malignant melanoma are often life-threatening.
Cause of Skin Cancer
Most skin cancers occur due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight. Fair-skinned individuals, especially who are in the sun quite frequently without adequate sunscreen or sun protection, are most at risk. Individuals with light skin are more at risk than individuals with dark skin. However, skin cancers can and do occur in people - even without a significant history of exposure to sunlight. Fortunately, such cases are much less frequent.
Surgery for Skin Cancer
Most skin cancers are treated by direct removal, or surgery. It is important that a proper diagnosis be made to allow the appropriate treatment.
Depending upon the size, location and appearance of the lesion or suspected cancer, removal of a small portion of the tumor, or biopsy, may be performed. In many cases, the biopsy may include removal of the entire lesion in a single procedure.
The specimen is then sent to a laboratory for pathology review.
The results will be reviewed with you in detail by Dr. Granzow at the time of your follow-up visit.
The Surgery
Most skin cancers are removed easily in the office under local anesthesia. In most cases, you will be able to drive to and from your procedure. Dr. Granzow will discuss this possibility with you at the time of your initial consultation in the office. In cases of larger lesions or lesions in cosmetically challenging areas, the operating room may need to be required for either the removal of the lesion or possibly repair of the defect as is dictated by the size, location and characteristics of the lesion itself.
For large lesions or lesions in tricky areas, specific reconstruction involving transfer of adjacent skin or flaps may be required.
Dr. Granzow has meticulous attention to detail and will discuss specific options with you at your consultation to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the treatment of the cancer and the final cosmetic result.
Small skin cancers can often be excised quickly and easily in the physician's office.
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A bone/soft tissue flap is used to reconstruct the nose following skin cancer excision.
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Simple excision usually leaves a thin barely visible scar.
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The incision lines of the flap are hidden within the natural creases of the nose and face.
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Cosmetic Procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction
Brow/Forehead Lift
Chemical Peel
Dermabrasion
Ear Surgery
Eyelid Surgery
Face Lift
Facial Implants
Injectable Fillers
Liposuction
Male Breast Reduction
Rhinoplasty
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Reconstructive Procedures
Breast Reconstruction
Lymphedema Surgery
Breast Reduction
Scar Revision
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Basal cell carcinoma may come in many forms. It often begins as a small,
pearly nodule.
Squamous cell carcinoma may begin as a red, scaly patch, a group of
crusted nodules, or a sore that doesn't heal.
Malignant melanoma is often asymmetrical, with blurred or ragged
edges and mottled colors.
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