After the physician’s examination, the diagnosis of a lesion suspicious for a Skin Cancer is confirmed with a biopsy. In this procedure, a small piece of tissue is removed and examined in the laboratory under a microscope. If tumor cells are present, treatment is required. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for eradicating Skin Cancer. Choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, as well as the patient’s age and general health. Treatment can almost always be performed on an outpatient basis at our office. With the various surgical techniques, a local anesthetic is commonly used to minimize pain or discomfort. The following listed treatments are available as outpatient treatments in our office.
Use the quick links below to learn more about each treatment.
| › Excisional Surgery | › Cryosurgery |
| › Curettage and Electrodesiccation | › Imiquimod |
EXCISIONAL SURGERY
Using a scalpel, the physician removes the entire growth along with a surrounding border of normal skin as a safety margin. The surgical site is then closed with stitches, and the excised tissue is sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination to verify that all the malignant cells have been removed. If not clear of cancer the process may need to be repeated or another procedure called Mohs surgery may be recommended. See Pre-op Instructions .
Related Links:
Mohs Surgery
[back to top ]
CURETTAGE AND ELECTRODESICCATION
The cancerous growth is scraped off with a curette (a sharp, ring-shaped instrument). The heat produced by an electrocautery needle destroys residual tumor and controls bleeding. This technique may be repeated twice or more to ensure that all cancer cells are eliminated.
CRYOSURGERY
Tumor tissue is destroyed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, without the need for cutting or anesthesia. The growth becomes crusted and scabbed, and usually falls off within days. The procedure may be repeated to ensure total destruction of the malignant cells. Cryosurgery is effective for the most common tumors and is the treatment of choice for patients with bleeding disorders or an intolerance to anesthesia.
IMIQUIMOD
FDA-approved for the treatment of actinic keratoses as well as one type of Basal Cell Carcinoma (superficial). This is one of the topical products that can be used to treat these conditions, and can sometimes be used in combination with other methods for different types of skin cancers.
Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery Topics
Quickly jump to Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery sub-topics using the links below.
