KEYSTONE PLASTIC AND RECONTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Skin Cancer Reconstruction

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. Shannon at the time of your follow-up visit.

MOHS Micrographic Surgery

A surgical treatment that offers the highest rate of cure for most forms of skin cancer. This is possible by removing the cancer one layer at a time with the Pathologist examining each layer under the microscope. All edges of the skin are checked while the patient is in the operating room to ensure the highest cure rate possible. Following the confirmed removal of the cancer by the Pathologist, Dr. Shannon will repair the area with a minimal incision.

Benefits of MOHS surgery:

-Insurance- most insurance policies cover the cost of Mohs Surgery and the reconstruction of the surgical area.

-Safety- This surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. This allows for faster recovery time and a lower risk of complications.

-Convenience- By confirming the removal of the skin cancer and performing the repair all on the same day as the removal, this surgery allows the patient to be treated completely with only one surgical visit.

-Preservation- with the precise nature of this surgery, the surgical wound is the smallest possible, which often means the smallest scar possible.

Using State-of-the-Art cosmetic surgery techniques and Having a State-of-the-Art plastic surgery center, the results of aesthetic plastic surgery are more effective, safer, and longer lasting than ever before. Here at Keystone we would like you to take this opportunity to learn more about these cosmetic surgery procedures and see before and after pictures. You may want to read some of the numerous testimonials received by Dr. Shannon and his staff , You also will have the opportunity to view Dr. Shannon's credentials.

From our offices in The Woodlands, Tomball and Conroe areas. We look forward to answering any questions you may have.