Skin Cancer Surgery

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention estimates that roughly 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. If you may be at risk for this condition, take a personal skin health assessment to determine if it is time for you to see a doctor to check the marks and moles present on your skin. You'll get the attention and care you need, including information about skin cancer surgery options when you visit Dr. Richard Cirelli at Sunwest Dermatology and Skin Cancer Treatment Center in Prescott, AZ.

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They are diagnosed with a visual screening by a dermatologist and a biopsy. Skin cancer may be more common in patients who live in sunny environments or use tanning beds regularly. Because this disease can recur, patients who have been diagnosed in the past or who have a family history of skin cancer must be constantly vigilant and perform regular skin exams.

As is the case with any form of cancer, skin cancer can spread and affect other organs if it isn’t diagnosed and treated promptly. Moles and blemishes that are constantly changing in color and size should be watched closely and examined by your dermatologist. Skin cancer is of particular concern for geriatric patients because their skin has been exposed to the sun and other environmental elements for much longer. They are also more likely to have other diseases that can cause a compromised immune system. Elderly patients also tend to lose elasticity and collagen in the skin over time, reducing their protection from the sun’s UV rays.

In the early stages of skin cancer, skin cancer surgery by excision may be the first option suggested by your Prescott, AZ, skin doctor. Skin excision is the removal of the growth by cutting it away with a knife. Other skin cancer surgery options include cryosurgery (freezing the cells), curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning), and photodynamic therapy (laser treatment). Patients who have more advanced cases may also require immunotherapy and radiation therapy.