|
 |
Return to: Home » Health Articles : Best Skin Cancer Removal Options
Advertisement
Best Skin Cancer Removal Options
Advertisement
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. There are several different types of skin cancer, and the majority of cases are benign. However, in situations where a tumor is detected, reconstructive plastic surgery can help to get rid of the tumor while preserving the skin tissue. Here’s a close look at some of the current skin cancer removal treatments available in the United States:
Laser treatments: Laser treatments are among the most common types of treatment for skin cancer removal, and involve destroying and vaporizing the skin cancer tissue in a single session, or a short series of sessions. This aggressive treatment can treat almost all stages of skin cancer, and can be used on the face and neck areas.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin cancer cells is one of the most dated – but effective – ways to get rid of the tumor. The freezing process helps destroy the skin cancer tissue, and the body eliminates the dead skin cells naturally.
Shave excision: This procedure involves gently shaving the area affected by the cancer with a small blade. The surgeon may need to remove one layer of skin at a time, and must do this in a way that limits the loss of skin tissue and healthy cells surrounding the skin cancer. When the treated area is completely healed, the scar left behind may be treated with microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
Dermabrasion: As a more aggressive form of microdermabrasion, this treatment involves removing the upper layers of the skin using a diamond-studded wheel. This has a ‘sanding’ effect on the skin, and helps to gently remove the layers of skin affected by the skin cancer. This treatment may not be effective for treating cancers in their advanced stages, but can be very effective for treating recently-diagnosed cancers.
Electrodesiccation or curettage: Curettage involves cutting the affected area of skin completely, and electrodesiccation involves emitting a high-frequency electric current to the treated area to destroy the skin cancer cells. Electrodesiccation also stops the bleeding from the curettage process, and may be a valuable treatment option for very large lesions on the body or face.
Photodynamic therapy: Photodynamic therapy for pre-cancers and certain types of cancer is still awaiting FDA approval, but many surgeons do use this treatment option for treating precancers. Although it has a high failure rate, photodynamic therapy is an option for cancers that have been deemed inoperable. The treatment involves injecting a chemical into the body or applying a special topical treatment to the skin before exposing the skin to a high-powered light. The chemicals help to activate the formation of new molecules and can slowly destroy the cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer and need to pursue surgery, make an appointment with your dermatologist and a reconstructive plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options for skin cancer removal surgery. Today’s innovative skin cancer removal techniques can remove the tumor permanently without affecting the surrounding skin and tissues.
Published: 08/07/2009, Last Updated: 08/07/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
Skin Cancer Surgery Information Guide
-
Basics of Skin Cancer"I've heard about the surgery and I'm looking to learn a bit more about things like cost, whether it's right for me, and what options I have."
-
- Skin Care and Aging
Sunlight is a major cause of skin changes we think of as aging. - Sunscreens, Tanning Products, and Sun Safety
Skin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure. Effects can include wrinkling, premature aging, and in time, an almost leathery appearance of the skin. - Mole Removal Basics
Most moles are harmless and don't need to be removed but you do need to be aware that some forms of skin cancer can begin by looking like a mole.
- Skin Care and Aging
-
Ready for Skin Cancer"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
-
- Find Doctors around Mamaroneck, NY
- Find Doctors In Other Cities
- Patient Financing
Think you'll need help paying for your surgery? Almost anyone is a candidate for easy financing of up to 100% of the surgery costs.
-
After Skin Cancer
-
Featured Articles & News Related to Skin Cancer"What other related things might I like to know?"
-
- November Is National Healthy Skin Month
November Is National Healthy Skin Month: Landing Page - A Closer Look at Sunless Tanning Pills
Sunless tanning products such as creams, lotion and sprays are just one way to achieve a natural-looking tan, but popping a pill to achieve the same effects may be another option. Are sunless tanning pills as safe and effective as their makers claim? A closer look reveals the truth behind sunless tanning pills: - Is Your Skin Ready for Summer? Skin Management Tips for Youthful...
If you’re heading out for some fun in the sun this year, prepare your skin with the following skin management tips. - May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - Are You Ready?
The American Skin Cancer Society encourages everyone to cover up with the right sun protective gear and take extra steps to protect their skin during outdoor activities. Are you prepared for summer with a cancer-fighting plan? - Best Skin Cancer Removal Options
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. Here's a close look at some of the current skin cancer removal treatments available in the United States.
- November Is National Healthy Skin Month
Related Subjects and Keywords: skin cancer skin cancer surgery skin cancer treatments skin cancer removal cancer removal tumor removal
Advertisement
Dissatisfied with our Health Articles? Have a health article suggestion?
Tell us how we can improve.
| Surgery Guides | Cosmetic Procedures | Find A Doctor | Patient Resources | Site Navigation |