Catch Skin Cancer Early and Treat It With Confidence
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but when it is found and treated early, it is highly curable. At Specialty Chronic Pain Center in Boca Raton, FL , we diagnose and surgically excise (remove) several types of skin cancer, giving you comprehensive care that protects your health.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Skin Cancer
The three most common types of skin cancer are:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, typically appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, often on sun-exposed areas. It rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common, often presenting as a firm, red nodule or a flat, scaly patch. It can spread if not treated.
- Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer, often developing from existing moles or appearing as a new dark spot. Early detection is critical for successful treatment.
When to Consult Us About Skin Concerns
Be vigilant about changes in your skin. Contact our team if you notice:
- New skin growths
- Changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles (using the ABCDE rule for melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, Evolving/changing)
- Sores that don’t heal
- Any suspicious or concerning skin lesion
If you have a mole that is bothersome but not suspicious, you may also be interested in our mole removal service.
Our Skin Cancer Excision Process
When a suspicious lesion is identified, our process typically involves:
- Biopsy: A small sample of the lesion is removed and sent to a pathology lab for microscopic examination to confirm a diagnosis and determine the type of skin cancer.
- Surgical Excision: If skin cancer is confirmed, the lesion is surgically removed in our office. This involves:
- Local Anesthesia: The area around the lesion is numbed to ensure your comfort.
- Removal of Lesion and Margin: The cancerous tissue, along with a small margin of healthy surrounding tissue, is carefully cut out to ensure complete removal.
- Wound Closure: The wound is then closed with sutures (stitches).
- Pathology Review: The excised tissue is sent to pathology to confirm that all cancerous cells have been removed (clear margins).
- Follow-up: We provide detailed post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and discuss future skin cancer prevention strategies.
Why Choose Specialty Chronic Pain Center for Skin Cancer Excision?
- Experienced Medical Professionals: Our team is skilled in dermatological examinations and minor surgical procedures.
- Early Detection Focus: We emphasize the importance of regular skin checks for timely diagnosis.
- Comprehensive Care: From initial suspicion to diagnosis, removal, and follow-up.
- Safe and Sterile Environment: Procedures are performed under strict medical standards.
- Patient Education: We empower you with knowledge about skin health and sun protection.
- Convenient Local Care: We serve patients throughout the Boca Raton community.
Skin Cancer Excision Questions, Answered
What is skin cancer excision?
Skin cancer excision is a minor surgical procedure in which the cancerous lesion is cut out along with a small margin of healthy surrounding tissue. The goal is to remove all of the cancerous cells. The wound is then closed with sutures.
How do I know if a mole or spot could be skin cancer?
Watch for new growths, sores that don’t heal, and changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving or changing. Any suspicious lesion should be checked by a medical professional.
Will I need a biopsy before the lesion is removed?
Typically, yes. A small sample of the lesion is removed and sent to a pathology lab to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of skin cancer. This helps guide the right treatment plan.
Is skin cancer excision painful?
The area around the lesion is numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure, so you stay comfortable during the excision.
Why is a margin of healthy tissue removed?
Taking a small margin of healthy tissue around the lesion helps ensure the cancerous cells are completely removed. The excised tissue is then sent to pathology to confirm that the margins are clear.
What happens after the procedure?
We give you detailed post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing. We also discuss skin cancer prevention strategies for the future.
How do I schedule a skin check in Boca Raton?
You can call Specialty Chronic Pain Center at (561) 984-5167 or request an appointment through our website. If you have a concern about a mole or skin lesion, don’t wait to be seen.
Protect Your Skin Health: Schedule a Skin Check
Don’t wait if you have concerns about a mole or skin lesion. Contact Specialty Chronic Pain Center in Boca Raton, FL to schedule a skin check and discuss your options for skin cancer excision. Call us at (561) 984-5167 or contact us online.