817.861.0505
Americans living in the nation's Sunbelt, Texans included, need to be particularly mindful of the sun. Among the various types of cancer, skin cancer is the most common in the USA. Fortunately, there are innovative surgical procedures available to address skin cancer and precautionary methods to help combat the growing number of skin cancer cases reported each year. Surgical approaches include curettage, surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, and cryotherapy.
The types of skin cancer that are treatable include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Of the non-melanoma skin cancers, the world’s most common is BCC. BCC usually grows slowly in the basal cells that line the deepest layer of the epidermis, and rarely metastasizes. SCC is the next most common skin cancer. Like BCC, SCC is slow-growing. It attacks the squamous cells that make up the top layer of the epidermis.
Less common still is melanoma, a malignancy of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that most often develops in the skin. Melanoma accounts for only 4% of all skin cancers; it causes greatest number of skin cancer–related deaths worldwide.
If you have received a diagnosis of skin cancer that has been confirmed by biopsy, you are likely a good candidate for treatment. Certain environmental and biological factors may raise your chance of developing skin cancer, including:
During examination, Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. James Ward will work with you to determine the best approach to treat your particular case of skin cancer. For small cancers, curettage or surgical excision may be used. Mohs micrographic surgery is often used for more advanced stages of cancer, and has a success rate of up to 99 percent.
If you are receiving a curettage treatment, Dr. Ward will use a curette to scrape away the cancer. He will then apply electricity to the area, a method that produces heat through an electrocautery needle that destroys the remaining tumor.
With Mohs micrographic surgery, a first-level incision will be made so that Dr. Ward can gather a tissue sample for microscope analysis. He will then remove and examine the melanoma layer by layer until only healthy tissue remains.
Please contact Dr. Ward's office in Arlington to learn more about these approaches as well as radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and surgical excision.
Aftercare varies according to the stage of cancer being treated as well as the surgical approach used. Patients of Mohs surgery often experience only minor discomfort, including mild bruising and swelling. Other surgical approaches to skin cancer require varying degrees and types of care. Before surgery, you will consult with Dr. Ward regarding post-operative care, so that you are thoroughly prepared.
If you are facing skin cancer treatment, it is wise to seek out a qualified plastic surgeon. Our office is located in Arlington at the USMD Hospital, a facility that is equipped with all of the state-of-the-art technology needed to appropriately treat skin cancer. Please give us a call at 817.861.0505 or email us using the online contact form if you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Ward. He is prepared to share his expertise on the various approaches to skin cancer, and to collaborate with you on finding the best skin cancer treatment plan.
© James W. Ward M.D. 2009-2011 Login