So, you’ve received a diagnosis of melanoma after a skin cancer screening. You know that this is a serious and potentially aggressive form of skin cancer, and it’s time to take action.
But what kinds of removal procedures are available? What should you expect? Christopher Smith, MD, of Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care shares the following information to help you understand what melanoma removal entails in the hopes of making this stressful time a bit easier.
Melanoma isn’t the most common form of skin cancer, but it is a type that can spread very quickly. It can also spread to other areas of the body, not just your skin. That’s why prompt treatment is absolutely critical once you’ve received a melanoma diagnosis.
Researchers know that there is a clear link between exposure to ultraviolet light and melanoma, so limiting your time in the sun and taking measures to protect yourself while outdoors are great ways to reduce your risk levels.
People with light-colored skin have elevated risk for melanoma, but it’s important to understand that anyone can develop this form of skin cancer. Scheduling routine dermatology visits ensures that your care team detects skin cancer in the earliest possible stages.
Because melanoma can be such an aggressive type of cancer, surgical removal is the most common treatment approach. At Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care, Dr. Smith brings advanced dermatology training to his practice. When it comes to removing melanoma, he has the experience needed for successful outcomes.
Surgical excision is an approach that strives to remove all cancerous tissue at once. Dr. Smith numbs the area using local anesthetic and makes careful incisions in your skin to remove the affected tissue as well as a small border of healthy tissue around the cancerous growth.
He closes the skin with sutures, making every effort to minimize scarring. In some cases, suturing isn’t needed, so Dr. Smith carefully dresses the wound so it can heal. In other instances, skin grafting helps the wound heal and creates a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Another surgical option, Mohs surgery, removes cancerous tissue one incredibly thin layer at a time. This option doesn’t remove as much tissue as an excision and it preserves as much healthy tissue as possible, but it does require a more in-depth process.
Dr. Smith numbs the area before carefully removing the visible cancerous tissue. He then examines very thin layers of tissue microscopically to look for cancerous cells around the margins. The process is repeated numerous times, and continues until Dr. Smith reaches a layer of skin that shows no signs of cancer.
Your recovery process depends on a number of factors, including the type of surgery, the size of the surgical site, and the area of your body. Your overall health also comes into play, and if you have a compromised immune system or other health issues, your recovery might be more challenging.
Dr. Smith discusses your procedure and what to expect prior to your surgery. You’ll know your specific recovery needs before you come in for your procedure, and adhering to the guidelines you receive is the most important part of a healthy and successful recovery.
Now is the time to examine your options, ask questions, and listen to the guidance provided by Dr. Smith and your care team to make a decision that aligns with your treatment needs and goals. Once you have all of the information you need, don’t delay in scheduling your removal procedure.
When you partner with Dr. Smith and the team at Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care in Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill, Florida, for treatment, you can rest assured you’re in the best of hands. To book an appointment, simply call the office during normal business hours or use our appointment request tool to find a time that fits your schedule.
