Skin Cancer Removal

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 500,000 cases reported each year.

Melanoma & Non-Melanoma are the most common types of skin cancer today but are highly curable if treated early. More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by the Sun’s UV rays. Everyone is at risk – some people more than others. About 80% of skin cancers appear on the face, head and neck but can be found on any part of the body.  Skin cancer can be successfully treated if diagnosed early – with early treatment but can be disfiguring or fatal if left untreated.  Dr. Davison is specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and is able to achieve outstanding results for his patients.

The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation most often from the sun. Sunlamps and tanning booths are the other major causes of skin cancer.  Anyone of any age, race or skin type can get skin cancer – but the following shows the greatest risk factors:

SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER:

  • A small lump (spot or mole) that is thin, waxy, pale in color & smooth in texture
  • A red – firm lump – either a spot or mole
  • A sore or spot that bleeds or becomes crusty – sores that don’t heal
  • Rough/scaly skin patches – Flat scaly areas that are red or brown
  • New growths that are suspicious

UNDERSTAND THE SUN:

Sun Exposure has cumulative, lasting effects that add up daily while you’re gardening, sailing, swimming, fishing, hiking, or just walking to and from your car.  Sunlight reflects – off water, sand, concrete, boat decks and snow.  Sun reaches below water’s surface and UV rays are present even on cloudy days.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT FOR SKIN CANCER:

Diagnosis involves removing all or part of the growth and examining those cells microscopically. There are several treatments used depending upon the type of cancer, its stage of growth and the location on your body.  Most cancers are surgically removed under local anesthesia.  Other treatments include curettage, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy and Moh’s surgery which is performed only by specially trained surgeons.  In cases of major surgery, even though they are life-saving, they often leave patients with less than pleasing cosmetic or functional results.  Dr. Davison is a board-certified, reconstructive surgeon who performs Moh’s Reconstruction regularly.

RECONSTRUCTION:

Reconstruction surgery if performed for 3 reasons:  to repair damaged tissue – to rebuild body parts – to restore function and a more pleasing appearance. Dr. Davison is a board certified reconstructive plastic surgeon who is able to achieve results that look as natural as possible while restoring function.

PREVENTION:

Preventing skin cancer involves being smart about the effects of the Sun’s UV rays and knowing how to avoid excess exposure.  Avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm as much as possible, seek shade when you are outdoors during those hours, wear protective clothing – including a hat and sun glasses and use sunscreen.  Dr. Davison provides today’s safest and most effective products in our DAVinci MedSpa.  Be sure to check ask us about our skin-care systems – including the best sun-protection products available today.

SKIN CANCER RISK FACTORS:

  • Lighter natural skin color
  • Family/Personal history of skin cancer
  • Exposure to the sun through work and play
  • A history of sunburns early in life
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
  • Blue or green eyes & Blond or red hair
  • Certain types & a large number of moles
  • Some prescription drugs make you more susceptible to UV rays

TYPES OF SKIN CANCER

There are three types of skin cancer:

  • BASAL CELL CARCINOMA – is the most common type of skin cancer and is the least dangerous type.  It tends to grow slowly, rarely spreads beyond its original site, is seldom life-threatening but if left untreated it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone causing serious damage – especially if located near the eye.
  • SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA – is the second in line and frequently appears 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 it left untreated.
  • MALIGNANT MELANOMA – is the least common but occurrence is on the rise – especially in Sunbelt states. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer but can be completely cured if diagnosed early and treated quickly. Malignant melanoma is capable of spreading throughout the body and can be fatal if not found and treated early.

Schedule Your Consultation at DAVinci Plastic Surgery

The initial consultation with your surgeon is critical! It should always be face to face with your surgeon, during which time he/she listens closely to your concerns. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell believe this time spent with you is critical to both you and him/her. It is during the consultation that your surgeon comes to fully understand your concerns, evaluates them correctly, and is then able to make the recommendations and develop the treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell invest the time to sit down and talk to you face to face.

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3301 New Mexico Ave. Suite 236

Washington D.C.

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