Our board-certified dermatologist offers a variety of effective skin cancer treatments including Mohs surgery, electrosdessication and curettage, and excisions.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs SurgeryWe offer Mohs surgery, a highly effective technique for treating skin cancer. Mohs surgery is a carefully performed procedure that prioritizes complete cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This minimally invasive approach minimizes scarring and is ideal for treating skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, ears, and hands.
During Mohs surgery, thin layers of tissue are removed one at a time and each layer is then examined under a microscope to ensure complete removal of cancer cells. This specialized process allows for real-time margin control, maximizing the chance of successful cancer removal with minimal tissue removal. Mohs surgery boasts a very high cure rate and offers excellent cosmetic outcomes, making it a preferred option for many patients with skin cancer.
Electrodessication and Curettage
Electrodessication and CurettageElectrodessication and curettage, often abbreviated as ED&C, is a safe and efficient in-office procedure used to remove various skin lesions. This two-step process effectively addresses both benign growths like warts and seborrheic keratoses, as well as some precancerous and even early-stage cancerous lesions.
During ED&C, the area is first numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, a curette, which is a specialized metal scraping tool, removes the visible portion of the lesion. Following this, an electrode with a fine tip delivers a controlled electrical current to cauterize the treatment area. This cauterization helps minimize bleeding and destroys any remaining abnormal cells at the base of the lesion. ED&C is typically a quick procedure with minimal discomfort, offering a same-day solution for various skin concerns.
Excisions
ExcisionsDermatology excisions are a common and effective procedure used to remove a variety of concerning or unwanted growths on the skin. Excisions offer a precise and definitive solution for addressing lesions like moles, cysts, lipomas, and even some skin cancers.
The excision process involves numbing the targeted area with local anesthesia. The dermatologist then precisely removes the lesion using a scalpel or other surgical tool, ensuring a margin of healthy surrounding tissue is included. This margin removal helps ensure complete removal of the lesion and minimizes the risk of recurrence. Stitches are then used to close the wound, promoting proper healing and minimizing scarring. Excisions are typically performed in an outpatient setting and require minimal downtime.
