Skin cancer impacts 1 in 5 Americans. While regular skin checks and early detection are crucial for preventing fatality, we understand that we can’t always catch skin cancer before it happens.
When that happens, swift detection and removal are important for managing it.
Here to help us understand what goes into the process of skin cancer removal is Dr. Brian Moore.
What are the different ways that skin cancer can be removed?
“Skin cancers can be removed in a variety of ways. Creams, light therapy, freezing, scraping, and surgery are the ways that we remove skin cancer. This is based on the type, location, and depth.”
The method of skin cancer removal will depend on the individual and the skin cancer in question. Sometimes, simple procedures like creams and freezing can work. Other times, more advanced methods of treatment like Mohs surgery is necessary in order to fully remove skin cancer and prevent regrowth.
What is the process of skin cancer removal like?
The process varies with the technique.
“We make sure that the patient is numb and very comfortable for every treatment. Usually, patients will have some light discomfort for 1-2 weeks, and then the healing process is easier after that.”
Of course, this will depend on the method of removal and the individual. Each person is different and will both feel and heal differently. More advanced treatments like Mohs surgery will have a longer healing time, but we ensure our patients are comfortable and taken care of throughout the healing process, no matter what that may look like.
Are different types of skin cancers removed differently?
“Yes, but it depends on the location on the body and the thickness of the skin cancer.”
If the skin cancer is toward the surface of the skin and detected early, the process of removal will look very different than a skin cancer that is more mature and is deeper in the skin tissue.
Your dermatologist will always be able to answer any of these questions only after understanding your unique situation.
Do you remove skin cancer on the face differently?
Typically, yes.
“Generally, a type of surgery called Mohs (or micrographic) surgery is used for cancers on the head and neck. This method is the most comprehensive treatment because the edges are examined in the office to confirm that the cancer is removed that day.”
This process is vital because it ensures that all the skin cancer is fully removed. After removing certain sections, your surgeon will then look under a microscope to determine if there is any skin tissue still presenting cancerous cells.
The area will continue to be removed until there is no evidence of skin cells present under inspection. This helps ensure the rate of return is very low as opposed to other types of skin cancer removal.
When it comes to skin cancer, experience counts! Our board-certified dermatologists with our Mohs surgeons to ensure each skin cancer patient receives the best treatment with the best outcome. Together, our team has completed over 50,000 skin cancer surgeries!
If you’re concerned about skin cancer, or you just want to have a regular check (which we highly recommend), schedule a skin check today!
Born in Cleveland, Dr. Moore attended University School where he graduated Cum Laude. He matriculated at Columbia University and graduated with a degree in English Literature. From there, he decided that medicine was his calling and attended the University of Toledo College of Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Moore trained for one year in internal medicine at the rigorous MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. From there, he completed a two-year clinical trials research fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. During this time, he conducted research in several cutting-edge areas of dermatology.
Following this, Dr. Moore went on to complete a prestigious dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, where he learned a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. His areas of interest include medical and aesthetic dermatology, with a particular focus on the biology of pigmented lesions.
