Exploring skin cancer treatment with your Walnut Creek dermatologist
Individuals who suspect they may have skin cancer expect to be handled with gentleness and thoroughness. At The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute, this is what you get. Dr. Lee is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a trained Mohs surgeon, and a physician who takes a personal interest in helping each patient. To discover your options in skin cancer treatment, schedule a visit to our Walnut Creek practice for an in-depth examination of your skin.
Options for skin cancer treatment
Excision
Standard excision is a method that has been used for many years. It is appropriate for basal cell and squamous cell lesions in many cases, but may not be suitable for every patient. Excision is an outpatient procedure that is performed with local anesthetic. The growth, as well as a small amount of surrounding tissue is removed via discreet incisions. Standard excision requires stitches to close incisions, which may result in scarring. In instances when the growth is quite large, reconstructive surgery may be necessary.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
The Mohs technique has become the new standard in skin cancer surgery. This outpatient procedure is known for its focus on tissue preservation and its consistently high cure rate. Dr. Lee has expanded her specialty as a dermatologic surgeon by completing the arduous training to become a Mohs Surgeon. Because cancer cells are removed and examined one layer of tissue at a time, this method often results in minimal scarring.
Cryotherapy
Some skin cancers may be treated by freezing them, although this method of removing cancerous cells is only used occasionally and only on small, superficial lesions. If it is suspected that deeper tissues are affected, either Mohs or standard excision is the more appropriate treatment protocol.
Topical chemotherapy
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas that are superficial and very new may be treated with topical chemotherapy. This method requires a weeks-long commitment to daily application of a medicated solution that may cause skin irritation and flu-like symptoms. The downside to topical chemotherapy is there is a lack of margin control, which makes it difficult to confirm complete removal.
The right approach is a tailored approach
There is no single skin cancer treatment that is right for every situation. It is only through a personal approach to each growth that the desired outcome is reached.
Is it time for your skin cancer screening? Call (925) 528-0117.
Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee
Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.
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