Skin Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction
Skin Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction
Dr. Sardo and her staff are trained in screening your skin for potential skin cancer. This condition is particularly prevalent in Southern California, as most of us have had significant sun exposure in our lives. Other environmental factors, toxins and hereditary factors can influence the likelihood that you will develop skin cancer.
Preventive measures such as avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreens, and treating your skin for pre-cancerous conditions are important.
The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer This is the most common type of skin cancer. There are many types, and they may be raised and nodular or flat, pink and indistinctly bordered. The rate of growth and aggressiveness can vary. Most are relatively slow growing and can be easily cured by excision. If the lesion is located on or near the nose, eyelids, or lips, it may need to be excised by the Moh's technique. This is performed by removing concentric shavings of skin and examining the tissue microscopically until it is completely cleared of tumor cells. This makes reconstruction potentially easier as only the skin that needs to be removed is excised. |
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Squamous cell skin cancer is more aggressive and usually grows faster than basal cell. It must be excised with wider margins. It tends to ulcerate and left untreated may metastasize to local lymph nodes. It is curable by adequate excision and is treated the same way as the basal cell cancer. |
Actinic Keratoses - Pre-Skin CancerActinic Keratoses are skin lesions resulting from cumulative sun damage. They appear as small red patches with a thin scaly crust. AKs may develop into skin cancers over time or indicate skin that is prone to the development of skin cancers. This superficial condition can be treated by removal of the top layers of the skin using liquid nitrogen ("freezing") , TCA acid peel, laser resurfacing, or Efudex a prescription cream which specifically attacks AKs when used as directed over a 2-4 week period. |
Melanoma Melanoma is a serious and potentially lethal skin cancer. It is very important to remove this skin cancer in its early stages.
When screening for this type of lesion, or any types of skin cancer, a helpful method is the ABCD mnemonic. A - Asymmetry: Has the lesion changed appearance or become asymmetric. B - Borders: Are the borders of the lesion smooth or are they irregular or notched. C - Color: Is the color homogeneous, or is it variegated. Are there any areas of red, white, or blue. D - Diameter: Has the lesion been changing in size, or is it 6mm or larger (roughly the diameter of a pencil eraser) |
Dr. Marialyn Sardo, MD, FACS
Tel: 858-452-6226
Toll Free: 866 DR SARDO
(866-377-2736)
Fax: 858-452-6235
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037
Email Dr. Sardo
Specializing in:
- Liposuction - Tumescent
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Lift
- Abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck)
- Botox®
- Collagen
- Restylane®
- ArteFill®
- Face/Neck Lift
- Mini Face Lift
- Forehead Lift
- Eyelid Rejuvenation
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