Skin Cancer Reconstruction
In Houston
About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancer types in the United States and worldwide.
- 1 in 5 American will develop skin cancer by age 70.
- 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed DAILY with skin cancer, and more than 2 patients an hour die of skin cancer.
- Indoor tanning devices can emit UV radiation in amounts 10 to 15 times higher than the sun at its peak intensity.
- Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but is also one of the most easily curable cancers.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Early diagnosis, however, means higher cure rates with a better cosmetic outcome with our Houston skin cancer reconstruction procedure.
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Skin Cancer Before & Afters
How to Diagnose Skin Cancer
Skin cancers are diagnosed via a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small portion of skin, which is then sent to a lab to be reviewed under the microscope. The biopsy procedure is a simple procedure that takes about 5 minutes. It is normally done in the office under local anesthesia.
There are two types of biopsies: shave biopsies and punch biopsies. Shave biopsies involve removing a small piece of skin along the surface of the skin. This type of biopsy is frequently used for presumed squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas. Punch biopsies involve the use of a small instrument to remove a “core” of skin. This type of biopsy is usually reserved for presumed melanomas, because the depth of a melanoma is important for prognostic information.
When Should I Get a Biopsy?
Things to look out for and definitely get biopsied:
- A pimple appearing mass that never heals
- Skin lesions that chronically bleed
- Scaly lesions that bleed or never heal
- Areas of the skin bigger than the size of a pencil eraser that are dark, with irregular borders, are asymmetrical, and have color irregularity
- Any lesion mass with rapid growth
It is important to look over the entire body including the scalp, and areas such as the feet, and hands. If you have any of the above, or are just concerned, reach out to us for a skin cancer reconstruction consultation.
How to Treat Skin Cancer
The gold standard for squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas is a type of surgery called Moh’s Micrographic surgery. Moh’s surgery involves removing the cancer layer by layer, until no cancer remains. The analysis of the resected layers is done in real-time at the time of surgery. Dr. Athré does not perform the Moh’s surgery, but will refer you to several excellent Moh’s surgeons in the Houston area. Melanomas are usually treated with wide excision, but adjunctive therapies might be needed.
Reconstruction After Moh’s Surgery
Following resection of the cancer, the resultant wound is reconstructed. Dr. Athré is an expert at skin cancer reconstruction post Moh’s surgery. See some before and after pictures here.
Client Testimonial
“No surgeon can compete with Dr. Athre. He is by far the most compassionate doctor that I have ever met. What makes him so different and special is beside his warm personality, he is genuinely interested in your case and what are you going through. He treats each case with great sensitively and takes it as a personal challenge and tries his best to support you overcoming these concerns.”
Client Testimonial
“No surgeon can compete with Dr. Athre. He is by far the most compassionate doctor that I have ever met. What makes him so different and special is beside his warm personality, he is genuinely interested in your case and what are you going through. He treats each case with great sensitively and takes it as a personal challenge and tries his best to support you overcoming these concerns.”
