Treatment for Skin Cancer
Treatment for skin cancer with dermatologic surgery varies according to the location, extent, aggressiveness of the cancer, and the patient’s general health. In most cases, the dermatologist will first take a small piece of the abnormal tissue growth for a biopsy. The tissue is examined under a microscope by a dermatologist or a dermatopathologist to determine whether it is malignant.
Malignant tumors require more treatment to completely remove the area and all the cancer. This can be done with curettage, surgical excision, cryosurgery, Mohs’ microscopically controlled surgery, topical chemotherapy, laser surgery, or radiation therapy. These can be performed in our office or at an outpatient surgical facility in a cost-effective manner.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery, also known as microscopically controlled surgery, was developed by Dr. F. Mohs in the 1940’s. It is a common procedure used to treat certain skin cancers and to prevent the recurrence of that cancer. This precise method of treating skin cancers allows us to surgically remove the skin cancer and immediately examine the tissue to identify any remaining cancerous tissue.
Mohs surgery is often used when:
- certain areas of the body affected by skin cancer doesn’t respond to other treatment options
- the skin cancer is affecting an area of the body that the patient wishes to keep as much of the normal tissue as possible
- the size of the skin cancer cannot be easily determined by a visual examination
cancer returns to a previously treated area.
Removal of Moles and Cysts
Moles are common skin growths that are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. Over time, some moles often change, becoming more raised, lighter in color, or bigger. Dermatologists may remove moles to improve appearance, to better check for signs of cancer, or because moles are located where they are often irritating.
A change in a mole can indicate a serious problem. A dermatologist should be seen if a mole becomes larger, changes color, is asymmetric, or develops an irregular border. Other warning signs may include crusting or bleeding. Extensive and potentially disfiguring surgery can often be prevented by prompt biopsy and surgical removal of moles that are changing.
Cysts are small closed sacs that contain fluid or solid material. If they become inflamed or infected, the dermatologist must drain the contents and surgically remove the cyst. The site may or may not be closed with stitches.
Acne Treatment
Control of acne is an ongoing process. Acne treatments work by preventing new acne breakouts while clearing existing blemishes. If your acne has not significantly improved within two to three months, your treatment may need to be changed. The treatment your dermatologist recommends will vary according to the type of acne.
Treatments used for acne may include topical creams, lotions or gels, oral antibiotics, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, birth control pills and acne surgery. At Peachtree Dermatology, we will evaluate you and suggest the appropriate treatment regimens considering your age, sex, and the type of acne you have.
Mohs surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and requires a local anesthetic. In addition to having a higher success rate, Mohs is also recognized for its precision, making it the most aesthetic choice for skin cancer treatment.
Recovery time depends on the size of the skin cancer. While some wounds can heal by themselves, others may require sutures, a small skin graft or in some cases, reconstructive surgery. If any discomfort should occur following this treatment, it is usually very mild and can be treated with Tylenol. While minimal bleeding is common, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent, excessive bleeding.