Skin Cancer
How is skin cancer treated?
Many precancerous lesions and cancers are removed surgically with no other treatment needed. Dr. Redd can identify various types of skin cancers including:
- Melanoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
A minor excision procedure may be all that is needed to remove the cancer, if caught in the earlier stages. Cancers that have been allowed to grow for a short period of time, may require other types of treatment as well.
Dr. Redd is capable of performing skin cancer removal procedures in his office. These procedures range from simple to intermediate, which can be completed in less than an hour.
What are precancerous lesions?
Precancerous lesions and blemishes contain abnormal cells that have not yet started to turn into cancer cells. Skin abnormalities that are determined to be precancerous can be removed before they become cancer, and halt the process before it ever gets started.
Patients will often notice patches of skin that look different than skin on other areas of the body. When this occurs, Dr. Redd can examine the lesion and identify whether there is a potential risk of cancer. If there is, he can perform a surgical excision, removing the tissue, and suturing the wound to help speed up the healing process.
The excised lesion is sent to a pathologist for identification and “margins” to determine if the tissue surrounding the lesion is free of cancer. The results of this biopsy will determine if further evaluation is needed.
Can scars be kept to a minimum?
Patients who are required to have a skin cancer removal surgery may worry about the scarring that can occur. Dr. Redd understands that while the cancer must be removed, patients want to keep any scarring to a minimum. He can efficiently remove the affected area and close the wound, leaving minimal scarring.
Patients who believe they have an area of skin that is abnormal, or possibly cancerous, should schedule an appointment with Dr. Redd. He can evaluate the area, and determine what type of abnormality exists and if it is cancerous. If so, he can surgically remove it in his office. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, after which the patient can go home or back to work.