Skin Tumors (Skin Cancer, etc.)

The First Step: Choosing a Surgeon You Can Trust

Selecting a plastic surgeon certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery and a full member of the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery ensures that your surgeon is qualified and up-to-date, giving you confidence in your choice.

What Does Skin Cancer Surgery Involve?

There are treatment options available for all patients with skin cancer. These treatments typically fall into three categories:

• Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Use of medications to kill cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: Use of X-rays to destroy cancer cells.

Many skin cancers are treated by specialists, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons. In most cases, skin cancer can be treated in a medical office setting. Surgery is the most common treatment and may involve one of the following methods:

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: This technique removes the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The surgeon examines the tissue under a microscope to ensure no cancer cells remain.
• Electrodesiccation and Curettage: This involves using an electric current to dehydrate the tumor (electrodesiccation) followed by scraping the tumor out with a specialized instrument called a curette.
• Simple Excision: Involves removing the cancer along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue.
• Cryosurgery: Freezing and destroying the tumor using liquid nitrogen.

Other Pre-Malignant Conditions

Pre-malignant conditions, such as actinic keratosis, require treatments similar to those used for skin cancer.

Surgical Considerations

Surgery may leave a scar on the skin. Depending on the size of the cancer, a skin graft may be needed, where skin is taken from another part of the body to cover the affected area. Skin grafts and advanced surgical techniques can help reduce scarring.

If you have any of these conditions, I will be happy to explain the available treatment options and address all your questions.