Skin cancer poses a grave health threat to millions of people across the globe. In the sunny city of Miami, where days at the beach and outdoor activities are part of the lifestyle, the risk of skin cancer is exceptionally high. If you or someone you know is facing a skin cancer diagnosis, it is essential to understand the treatment options available and what to expect. If you are looking for the best skin cancer removal experts in Miami, contact Avana Wellness Plus.
Skin cancer tends to develop in sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, lips, ears, face, arms, neck, hands, and women's legs. However, it can also form in areas rarely exposed to daylight, like the palms of the hands, beneath the nails, and in the genital area. Although skin cancer can affect anyone, individuals with the following characteristics are considered to be at an elevated risk, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Numerous studies show that the rate of skin cancer has increased significantly worldwide, with around 3.5 million diagnosed each year. In the United States, it is the most common type of cancer currently, combined with breast, prostate, lung, and colon. 1 in 5 Americans will have it at some point in their life.
Skin cancer occurs from the cumulative effect caused by sun damage for those who are not melanoma, which represents 95%. The high temperatures almost all year round in Miami are a risk factor for everyone who resides here.
Early detection of skin cancer is crucial. Remember that the earlier it's detected, the higher the cure rate and the lower the recurrence rate. The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology advise having a yearly skin check performed by a dermatologist.
Skin cancer manifests in various forms, with the three most prevalent types being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Let's take a closer look at these:
It is the most common skin cancer, characterized by slow growth and typically in sun-exposed areas like the face and ears. It rarely metastasizes to other body parts but should be treated promptly to prevent it from spreading to nearby organs, bones, or deep tissues. Typically, it presents as a flesh-colored or pearly lump with visible blood vessels on the skin's surface, with a size ranging from 1 to 10 mm in diameter. BCC has various clinical subtypes, including nodular basal cell carcinoma, superficial or multicentric basal cell carcinoma, morpheaform basal cell carcinoma, ulcerated basal cell carcinoma, terebrant basal cell carcinoma, and Pinkus fibroepithelioma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancerous growth that initiates in the epidermis and transforms due to mutations induced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. With a tendency to infiltrate the skin, it can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, and liver, and it exhibits greater aggressiveness compared to basal cell carcinoma. It is not common in people with dark skin but is prevalent in older people. It can occur in areas of chronic sun exposure, such as the back of the hands, face, legs, head, and neck, and may develop over ulcers, chronic wounds, scars, and burns. SCC has several clinical manifestations, including in situ squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of sun-exposed areas, Marjolin's ulcer, de novo squamous cell carcinoma, lip squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, and keratoacanthoma.
Actinic keratosis is considered the initial stage of skin cancer development. They are observed in older adults and appear in areas exposed to ultraviolet radiation, such as the scalp in people with alopecia, the face, the back of the hands, forearms, and legs. Lesions are identified as patches, rough, scaly papules, erythematous-desquamative, with ill-defined borders, and are usually smaller than 10 mm.
Melanoma represents the most severe and perilous type of skin cancer, which originates from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. This is why tumors of this type are black or brown. It can appear on any part of the skin, but it almost always affects the palms of the hands and feet, head, neck, under the nails, and face. In world medical literature, it is mentioned that in men, it almost always arises in the pectorals and back, while in women, it is usually distinguished in the legs. It is rarely seen on the genitals, anus, mouth, and eyes, although it can spread quickly to other organs and cause death. It is important to note that melanoma can originate from healthy skin or a mole that already exists and has begun to change shape, color, texture, and size. Studies reveal that dark-skinned people are less likely to develop this skin cancer than light-skinned people. According to the clinicopathological correlation, malignant melanoma has several clinical types: acral lentiginous melanoma, lentigo malignant, lentigo malignant melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, and nodular melanoma.
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Contact Our TeamWhen it comes to removing skin cancer, there are several procedures available depending on the type of cancer and its stage. Some standard methods include:
An excisional biopsy, also referred to as wide local excision, is a surgical process involving the removal of cancerous tissue along with a portion of surrounding healthy tissue. This method is frequently used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Cryosurgery involves freezing and destroying cancer cells with liquid nitrogen. It is an effective method for treating precancerous lesions and some early-stage skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma.
Laser therapy uses focused light energy to remove or destroy cancer cells without bleeding. It is often used for superficial skin cancers and precancerous lesions.
Curettage involves scraping cancerous tissue with a curette. Subsequently, a needle-shaped electrode is used to treat the affected area with an electrical current that destroys the cancerous cells that have remained around the edge of the wound. This process is repeated one to three times while the surgery takes place. This type of treatment is also known as electrosurgery.
Mohs surgery, or Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized procedure frequently employed for the removal of skin cancer, particularly in critical areas where preserving healthy tissue is essential, such as the face. This method involves removing cancerous tissue, one layer at a time, with each layer meticulously scrutinized under a microscope until no cancer cells are found.
Surgery is a frequently used approach for addressing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The choice of surgical techniques varies depending on the location, type of skin cancer, size, and other relevant factors. Typically, this is an outpatient procedure, and local anesthesia is commonly administered.
The surgical procedure for basal and squamous cell skin cancers usually involves the following steps:
Recovery and care after skin cancer removal depend on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient. Here are some general guidelines:
Generally, patients usually have a speedy recovery. If the surgery has been complicated, the bruising may persist for a week. The stitches are removed between 7 and 15 days, depending on where the wounds are located. Most of these procedures leave scars, and the process usually lasts from 3 to 12 months.
Routine follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring your healing progress and identifying any indications of recurrence. These appointments are necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.
There are risks associated with skin cancer surgery. Most of them arise as side effects that appear and disappear quickly, or that can persist in letting us know that something is not correct. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible:
Do not hesitate to report any of these symptoms to your doctor so that the problem can be treated immediately.
The cost of skin cancer removal in Miami can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, the extent of the surgery, and the facility where it is performed. It's crucial to verify the availability of coverage by consulting with your healthcare provider and insurance company.
Whether you are looking for expert guidance on skin cancer removal procedures or need help with a diagnosis, our team of dermatologists and plastic surgeons can provide the care and support you need. Contact us right now and schedule your consultation at Avana Wellness Plus.
Skin cancer removal is a medical intervention encompassing the extraction or obliteration of skin cancer cells to inhibit their proliferation and dissemination.
The best removal procedure depends on the type and stage of the skin cancer. There are different standard treatments for patients with this type of cancer and others that are being evaluated through clinical trials. But as we mentioned, the ideal is to consult a dermatologist, and the best procedure will be the one the doctor recommends.
In many cases, skin cancer can be eliminated if it is detected early and treated promptly. However, it may appear again after approximately five years. It depends on each individual's lifestyle, as well as regular follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor for any recurrence.
The intricacy of the surgery varies based on the type and stage of the skin cancer. Some procedures may be minor, while others, such as Mohs surgery, may be more extensive.
Skin cancer removal is conducted under local anesthesia, typically ensuring that patients do not feel pain during the procedure. However, some individuals may encounter mild discomfort and pain during the recovery phase.
Most health insurance plans typically offer coverage for at least a portion of the costs linked to skin cancer removal. It's crucial to contact your insurance provider to determine the scope of your coverage.
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