Possible Treatmenfs For Cancer Of The Skin

Knowing that your body is growing harmful cancerous cells is terrifying, especially when those cells are on the surface of the skin. Being able to see changing moles and legions can be a harrowing experience you're eager to end. Luckily there are options for dermatologists that can rid you of this problem, like the procedures below.

Simple Cutting

If you have one problematic mole or only a tiny surface of your skin is affected, your doctor can numb the area and just slice off the area. This simple excision will happen after your skin has been adequately numbed so that you aren't made uncomfortable by the process. To recover, you're likely to receive an ointment that will prevent the area from drying excessively.

An excision may be surprising in that more of your skin is cut than you think necessary, but the doctor will likely want samples of any surrounding skin for testing so that you're sure that no cancer remains.

Microscopic Surgery

A highly precise procedure, Mohs microscopic surgery--named for prominent surgeon Dr. Frederic Mohs--may be for you. This can be more time-consuming than excisions because the skin is taken off layer by single layer after being watched under a high-powered microscope. This is done to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind. Less healthy skin is taken. This is an option usually exercised for borderless cancerous masses that are somewhat large.

Grafting

For large skin areas or excessively deep moles and cancerous legions, it may become necessary for your doctor to perform serious grafting and reconstruction. Once the cancer is cut out, more surgical work is needed to replace the skin that is no longer there. The doctor will reconstruct the area by cutting extra skin from fleshier, healthier skin in other areas and grafting it into the place that needs it.

This process will need to happen over multiple visits and can take some time to heal and recover from. Your doctor will explain how it works and you may have some input regarding where grafts will be taken from.

Whatever skin cancer treatment is ultimately decided by your doctor, take steps to fully understand what will happen and how best to prep for and recover from. In addition to any bandages and ointments prescribed, ask about appropriate painkillers and other techniques to cut stress before and after the skin procedure. Your doctor will help you conquer this cancer