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Bid for Surgery: Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
| Procedure: |
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or
part of the growth and examining its cells under a microscope. It can be treated by a
number of methods, depending on the type of cancer, its stage of growth, and its location
on your body. |
| Risk Factor: |
the risks of the surgery are low. |
| Side Effects: |
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| Length: |
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| Anesthesia: |
local anesthesia |
| In/Out: |
Outpatient |
| Recovery: |
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| Duration: |
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| The Procedure |
Types of skin cancer
By far the most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Fortunately, it's
also the least dangerous kind--it tends to grow slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its
original site. Though basal cell carcinoma is seldom life-threatening, if left untreated
it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious
damage (particularly if it's located near the eye).
Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common kind of skin cancer, frequently appearing
on the lips, face, or ears. It sometimes spreads to distant sites, including lymph nodes
and internal organs. Squamous cell carcinoma can become life threatening if it's not
treated.
A third form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is the least common, but its incidence is
increasing rapidly, especially in the Sunbelt states. Malignant melanoma is also the most
dangerous type of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be completely cured. If
it's not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread throughout the body and
is often deadly.
Recognizing skin cancer
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can vary widely in appearance. The cancer may begin as
small, white or pink nodule or bumps; it can be smooth and shiny, waxy, or pitted on the
surface. Or it might appear as a red spot that's rough, dry, or scaly...a firm, red lump
that may form a crust...a crusted group of nodules...a sore that bleeds or doesn't heal
after two to four weeks...or a white patch that looks like scar tissue.
Malignant melanoma is usually signaled by a change in the size, shape, or color of an
existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin. Watch for the "ABCD" warning
signs of melanoma: Asymmetry-a growth with unmatched halves; Border irregularity-ragged or
blurred edges; Color-a mottled appearance, with shades of tan, brown, and black, sometimes
mixed with red, white, or blue; and Diameter- a growth more than 6 millimeters across
(about the size of a pencil eraser), or any unusual increase in size.
If all these variables sound confusing, the most important thing to remember is this: Get
to know your skin and examine it regularly, from the top of your head to the soles of your
feet. (Don't forget your back.) If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your
body, have a doctor check it out.
Basal cell carcinoma may come in
many forms. It often begins as a small,
pearly nodule.
Squamous cell carsinoma may begin as
a red, scaly patch, a group of crusted
nodules, or a sore that doesn't heal.
Malignant melanoma is often
asymmetrical, with blurred or ragged
edges and mottled colors.
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| Types of anesthesia |
Local |
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| The surgery |
Diagnosis and treatment
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of the growth and examining its cells
under a microscope. It can be treated by a number of methods, depending on the type of
cancer, its stage of growth, and its location on your body.
Small skin cancers can often be excised
quickly and easily in the physician's office.
Most skin cancers are removed surgically, by a plastic surgeon or a
dermatologist. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, in an
outpatient facility or the physician's office, using local anesthesia. The procedure may
be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. Or curettage and
desiccation may be performed. In this procedure the cancer is scraped out with an electric
current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells. This leaves a slightly
larger, white scar. In either case, the risks of the surgery are low.
Simple excision usually leaves a thin
barely visible scar.
If the cancer is large, however, or if it has spread to the lymph glands
or elsewhere in the body, major surgery may be required. Other possible treat- ments for
skin cancer include cryosurgery (freezing the cancer cells), radiation therapy (using
x-rays), topical chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs applied to the skin), and Mohs surgery, a
special procedure in which the cancer is shaved off one layer at a time. |
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| Do I have to stay in a
hospital after the surgery? |
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| Risk factors |
Anyone can get skin cancer-no matter what your
skin type, race or age, no matter where you live or what you do. But your risk is greater
if...
- Your skin is fair and freckles easily.
- You have light-colored hair and eyes.
- You have a large number of moles, or moles of unusual size or shape.
- You have a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburn.
- You spend a lot of time working or playing outdoors.
- You live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense,
year-round sunshine.
- You received therapeutic radiation treatments for adolescent acne.
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| A word about reconstruction |
The different techniques used in treating skin
cancers can be life saving, but they may leave a patient with less than pleasing cosmetic
or functional results. Depending on the location and severity of the cancer, the
consequences may range from a small but unsightly scar to permanent changes in facial
structures such as your nose, ear, or lip.
In such cases, no matter who performs the initial treatment, the plastic surgeon can be an
important part of the treatment team. Reconstructive techniques- ranging from a simple
scar revision to a complex transfer of tissue flaps from elsewhere on the body-can often
repair damaged tissue, rebuild body parts, and restore most patients to acceptable
appearance and function. 
A bone/soft tissue flap is used to
reconstruct the nose following skin
cancer excision.
The incision lines of the flap are
hidden within the natural creases of
the nose and face.
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| Preventing a recurrence |
After you've been treated for skin cancer, your
doctor should schedule regular follow-up visits to make sure the cancer hasn't recurred.
Your physician, however, can't prevent a recurrence. It's up to you to reduce your risks
by changing old habits and developing new ones. (These preventive measures apply to people
who have not had skin cancer as well.)
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m. and during
the summer months. Remember, ultraviolet rays pass right through water and clouds, and
reflect off sand and snow.
- When you do go out for an extended period of time, wear protective clothing such as wide
brimmed hats and long sleeves.
- On any exposed skin, use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.
Reapply it frequently, especially after you've been swimming or sweating.
- Finally, examine your skin regularly. If you find anything suspicious, consult a plastic
surgeon or a dermatologist as soon as possible.
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Cost of this procedure varies with region from a low of
$2150
to a high of $4862. This cost includes surgeon's fee,
anesthesia, and facility costs. |
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