Surgical Dermatology

 

At South Texas Dermatology we offer advanced medical care for all skin ailments and ages. Our Board Certified Dermatologists have decades of experience diagnosing the root causes of problematic skin conditions, as well as developing powerful and effective treatment plans that target those conditions at their source. In many cases, problems on the surface of the skin are only the most visible markers of medical concerns deep within the tissues of the skin or the body. We will take the time to properly diagnose the underlying causes of those visible symptoms and tailor the treatment approach to ensure that those underlying causes are addressed as completely, effectively, and permanently as possible. 

 

Excisions

 

Excision refers to removal of a skin lesion by completely cutting it out.

A common reason why skin lesions are excised, is to fully remove skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. If the cancer is not cut out it may spread to the surrounding skin and to other parts of the body (metastasize). Other reasons that skin lesions are excised include cosmetic appearance, to remove an inflamed lesion, or recurrent infection.

 

ED&C

 

ED&C stands for Electrodessication and Curettage. Electrodessication and curettage is a common procedure most often used to treat basal cell carcinomas and some squamous cell carcinomas. Skin cancer cells are scraped away using a special instrument called a curette and an electric current delivered via a metal tip is used to locally burn away remaining skin cancer cells.

 

 

Mohs

 

Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Mohs Micrographic Surgery is an excellent tissue preserving treatment performed on skin cancers that involve large areas and cosmetically sensitive areas on the face, such as the nose and around the eyes and ears. It was developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin in the 1930’s and is now practiced throughout the world.

It differs from other skin cancer treatments in that it permits the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the removed cancer tissue so that all the roots and extensions of the cancer can be found and eliminated. Mohs surgery has the highest reported cure rate of all treatments of skin cancer.

It is not necessary to treat all skin cancers with Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is reserved for skin cancers that have recurred (grown back again after previous treatment), or at high risk for recurring or which are located in cosmetic areas where preservation of the maximum amount of normal skin is important.

 

 

Skin Cancer

 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer, are highly curable if detected early and treated properly. Skin cancer in common in South Texas, and thorough skin exams are a large part of what we do at South Texas Dermatology. Keeping up with regular skin exams can help lead to early detection and proper treatment.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. This skin cancer usually develops on skin that gets sun exposure, such as on the head, neck, or back of the hands. BCC is especially common on the face, often forming on the nose. While BCC often develops on skin that has had the most sun, BCC can appear on any part of the body, including the trunk, legs, and arm. This type of skin cancer grows slowly. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment is important because BCC can grow wide and deep, destroying skin, tissue, and bone. 

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. This skin cancer tends to develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun for years. It is most frequently seen on sun-exposed areas, such as the head, neck, and back of the hands. Women frequently get SCC on their lower legs. It is possible to get SCC on any part of the body, including the inside of the mouth, lips, and genitals. People who use tanning beds have a much higher risk of getting SCC. They also tend to get SCC earlier in life. SCC can spread to other parts of the body. With early diagnosis and treatment, SCC is highly curable.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer.  Allowed to grow, melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body, which can be deadly. However, when found early, melanoma is highly treatable.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology