|
objectively,
and to make you feel comfortable enough to express any doubts
or uncertainties that you may have. The following is a list
of a few very commonly asked questions about skin cancer reconstructive
surgery. We hope that this information will be useful but we
do not mean for it to be a substitute for a medical consultation,
as some recommendations will vary from patient to patient.
Who
can get skin cancer and why?
The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from
the sun. It can also be acquired from sunlamps and tanning booths.
Anyone can get skin cancer. Your risk is higher if you have
any of the following:
- Fair
skin
- Freckle
easily
- Light-colored
hair and eyes
- Large
number of moles, or moles of unusual shape and size
- Spend
a lot of time playing and/or working outdoors
- Family
history of skin cancer
- Personal
history of blistering sunburns
- Live
in a place that gets intense year-round sunshine (e.g. high
altitude)
- Have
had therapeutic radiation treatments for acne
Are
there different types of skin cancer?
The most common, and least dangerous, form of skin cancer is
called basal cell carcinoma. It has a tendency to grow slowly
and rarely spreads beyond the original spot. If left untreated,
basal cell carcinoma can grow deep beneath the skin, into the
tissue and bone, causing serious damage. Squamous cell carcinoma
is the second most common form of skin cancer. This type usually
appears on the lips, face or ears, sometimes spreading to lymph
nodes and internal organs. As with basal cell carcinoma, if
left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can be life threatening.
The third form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is also the
least common. Unfortunately, its occurrence is increasing, especially
in the Sunbelt states. If discovered early, malignant melanoma
can be completely cured. However, if left untreated, it may
spread throughout the body and can be deadly.
What
does skin cancer look like?
The appearance of basal and squamous cell carcinomas can vary
a lot. It may begin as small white or pink nodules or bumps;
it can be smooth, waxy or pitted on the surface. It might also
appear as a red spot that is rough, dry, scaly; a firm, red
lump that might have a crust; a sore that doesn't heal after
several weeks; or a white patch that looks like a scar. You
should watch for the following signs:
- Asymmetry:
a growth with unmatched halves
- Border
Integrity: ragged or blurred edges
- Color:
a mottled appearance with shades of tan, brown and black;
sometimes mixed with red, white or blue
- Diameter:
a growth of more than 6 millimeters across (about the size
of a pencil eraser) or any unusual increase in size
How
does the doctor determine if it is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing part or all of the growth
and examining it under a microscope.
What
types of treatment are available?
Depending on the type, stage of growth and location on the body,
skin cancer can be treated in many ways. If the cancer is small,
the procedure can be done quickly and easily in the doctor's
office or on an outpatient basis. After a local anesthetic is
used, a small excision is made that will leave a scar barely
visible. Sometimes, a procedure called curettage may be performed.
In this instance, the cancer is scraped out using an electric
current to control the bleeding and kill any remaining cancer
cells. This will leave a slightly more visible white scar. In
either case, the surgery risks are low.
If the cancer
is large, or if it has spread to the lymph glands or other parts
of the body, major surgery may be required. Other possible treatments
include:
- Cryosurgery:
freezing the cancer cells
- Radiation
therapy: using x-rays
- Topical
chemotherapy: anti-cancer drugs that are applied to the skin
- Mohs
surgery: cancer cells are shaved off one layer at a time.
This procedure is done by specifically trained physicians
and often requires a reconstructive procedure as follow up.
If
I need reconstructive surgery following removal of skin cancer,
what should I expect?
The removal of a skin cancer can leave unattractive scars and
deformities. Reconstructive surgery can repair tissue and rebuild
body parts damaged during the removal of the skin cancer, restoring
the patient to a more natural appearance. These techniques range
from a simple scar modification to the detailed transfer of
tissue from other parts of the body.
Where
can I find general information on plastic surgery?
Use the Internet as a tool. The various search engines can help
you find general information on plastic surgery, or search a
particular procedure that may be of interest to you. Contact
the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at www.plasticsurgery.org
and they will provide you with objective and comparative information.
Also, visit your local library or bookstore for more information.
How
can you guarantee the results?
No surgeon can guarantee a result because each patient is unique
and certain factors, such as the rate of healing, will vary
among patients. However, your plastic surgeon should be able
to communicate his expectation of your result based on his past
experience using former patients as examples.
Will
I be able to afford plastic surgery?
At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, we will work with you
and your insurance company to try to ensure maximum coverage
for the procedures.
How
do I choose the right plastic surgeon for me?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most important decision
you will make once you have decided to have plastic surgery.
We encourage you to closely evaluate the plastic surgeons in
your area and to take all of the time you need to make the right
choice. Visit our guideline page on Choosing
a Qualified Surgeon for a step-by-step plan.
Is
plastic surgery painful?
The discomfort of plastic surgery varies with the procedure
and with each patient. Most skin treatment and facial refinement
procedures result in minimal discomfort. The discomfort associated
with skin cancer reconstructive procedures is typically greatly
diminished in 48 hours. During that time, the level of discomfort
is minimized through prescription pain medication and proper
post-operative care
Why
Should I Choose Renaissance Plastic Surgery?
Renaissance Plastic Surgery is a highly regarded practice
in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Joseph
Fata, the founder, is a board certified plastic surgeon,
and he is one of the most highly respected plastic surgeons
in the region. Both Dr. Fata and his staff are dedicated
to providing you with the highest level of expertise in plastic
surgery with a uniquely personalized approach to patient care.
Our goal is to make you feel like you are being treated as a
member of our family. We believe that you will not only achieve
the results that you desire, but that you will also have a pleasant
and positive experience from your initial consultation throughout
your recovery.
Click
here to send an E-mail
Click
here for a Map and Directions to our office.
Call
us today at 1-800-472-2690
|
