Get This Report on Skin Cancer Surgery - Vanderbilt Health Nashville, TN

The process takes more time than other surgical choices since the surgeon will eliminate one layer of skin at a time up until the margins of the area are cancer-free. However, advocates of the strategy state the exact nature of the strategy leads to conservation of regular skin. Wide Local Excision Generally used for the treatment of larger skin cancers, large regional excision includes eliminating the malignant tissue and margin of surrounding healthy tissue.

It can also be used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Skin Grafting and Skin Flaps If a big part of cancerous skin is eliminated during surgery, your surgeon might use a skin flap or skin graft to repair the skin. The skin grafting procedure includes repairing the afflicted location using skin from another part of your body, such as your thigh or groin.

Typically the cosmetic surgeon will attempt to rebuild the flaw with tissue that is nearby to the problem. This will move tissue of like color and texture. One advantage with using skin flaps, is that tissue that is recovered comes with its own blood supply. Answers Shown Here may be utilized when the location that is missing out on skin does not have an excellent supply of blood due to the area or damage to the vessels.

The 9-Minute Rule for Excisions for Skin Cancer - Premier Dermatology Atlanta

The alternative for a skin flap can be more complicated but has better cosmetic outcomes. In many cases, additional cosmetic procedures may be needed to improve appearance. Lymph Node Elimination Prior to skin cancer surgery, your physician will analyze the lymph nodes near the cancerous skin for indication of metastasis, the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

If your doctor finds cancer cells in your lymph nodes, you may require extra surgical treatment to remove them. The lymph nodes serve as "filters" for your body. They are created to capture tumor cells and restrict their infect other parts of the body. This lymphadenectomy procedure (removal of lymph nodes) is normally carried out by a plastic surgeon who focuses on the surgical management of cancers.