Skin Cancer Reconstruction

The most common form of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer, and if it is not caught early, it can mean the difference between life and death. Often appearing as unusual growths or spots on the skin, skin cancers can develop into a variety of forms and types. With early diagnosis, skin cancer can be very treatable. Dr. Scott Miller at Miller Cosmetic Surgery can remove and reconstruct skin cancers and irregular growths while leaving the area as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

Please contact our practice for more information on skin cancer reconstruction. If you notice the appearance of a growth or discolored area on your skin, it is imperative that you contact a physician immediately for an evaluation.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Strong sunscreens with high SPF-levels (30 or higher) and protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as regular visits to the dermatologist can go a long way in preventing skin cancer. Dr. Miller can give you a number of tips on easy ways to prevent the development of cancerous lesions on the skin. As always, it is vital that you regularly examine your own skin for any irregularities or changes, and contact a dermatologist or your primary care physician as quickly as possible if you find anything out of the ordinary.

Skin Cancer Types

A number of factors can cause skin cancer. Exposure to the sun without protection from harmful ultra-violet rays is a very common cause. People who have light-colored eyes and hair, fair skin that freckles easily, a large number of moles, a family history of skin cancer and/or excessive sunburn, and those who have undergone radiation for acne treatments are at a greater risk of developing the condition. Skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin lesions can manifest on the skin in a variety of types, including:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is the most common; however, it is also typically the least dangerous. Often characterized by slow growth and only rarely spreading beyond the area in which it originates, basal cell carcinoma is usually not life-threatening. However, this type of skin cancer can cause severe damage to underlying tissue and bone, especially when located near the eye. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a waxy growth with a central indentation and elevated borders. It can also look like a red, dry, or scaly spot on the skin; a crusted, red lump; a white patch that looks like a scar; and/or a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal even after a period of weeks.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Body areas exposed to the sun are often the most likely places that squamous cell carcinomas can develop. They are life-threatening skin cancers that require immediate diagnosis and treatment. Typically appearing as a scaly red patch with irregular boders, this type of skin cancer can also look like a wart or an open sore. Squamous cell carcinomas may bleed if bumped or picked at. They often appear on the face, lips, and/or ears. These carcinomas can spread to other body areas and even into the lymph nodes and internal organs.

Melanoma

Melanomas are the most dangerous and life-threatening form of skin cancer, and can occur in any body area. Although melanomas can look like moles, there are some distinctions. Melanomas have irregular borders, and may look uneven in color and wider than six millimeters in diameter. If you notice changes in an existing mole or moles and other skin growths that you do not remember seeing before, it is very important to see a physician immediately. Early detection can often lead to a complete eradication of the cancer.

Other Skin Growths

Actinic Keratosis – a red or brown, rough, and scaly patch of skin that has been subjected to sun exposure. This type of growth can sometimes develop into skin cancer.

Dysplastic Nevi – a skin lesion that is typically an abnormal mole that can frequently progress into a melanoma. Dysplastic Nevi often are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, larger than the usual mole, and vary in color.

Skin Cancer and Skin Growth Treatments

A number of treatment options are available to eliminate a cancerous or pre-cancerous area of skin. Dr. Miller uses state-of-the-art techniques to not only eliminate the threat of skin cancer, but also leave the treated areas with minimal signs of damage or scarring. Treatment options include:

• Topical medication
• Mohs micrographic surgery
• Excision of the growth or skin area
• Cryosurgery (freezing)
• Laser surgery
• Radiation
• Curettage and electrodissection
• Shave removal
• Chemical peel

Skin cancers are typically removed surgically in a quick, in-office procedure. Larger areas of skin cancer and cancers that have spread to other areas may require more invasive surgical methods. When alternative techniques are required, Dr. Miller refers patients to elite collaborating Dermatologists and is available for aesthetic reconstruction as needed. Dr. Miller is an experienced plastic surgeon who can reconstruct areas of skin cancer with exceptional results.

Please contact Miller Cosmetic Surgery, or your family physician, if you notice any irregular growths or areas of your skin that may be exhibiting symptoms of skin cancer.