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Skin Cancer Test & Treatment 

Skin Cancer Test & Treatment – Sarasota, FL DermatologistTimely diagnosis of skin cancer can significantly increase the chances of a successful dermatology treatment for the disease. In order to diagnose skin cancer, the doctor may undertake the following:

  • Evaluate the skin: The doctor will examine the patient’s skin to determine if the skin changes might possibly be skin cancer. The patient may need further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Excise a sample of suspicious looking skin for testing (skin biopsy): The doctor may remove skin that appears suspicious for a lab test. The biopsy can determine the presence of skin cancer as well as its type.

Suncoast Skin Solutions, led by prudent board certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Ewanowski, provides proven and effective skin care treatments to patients in Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brookesville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Central Florida, Florida, and other neighborhoods and suburbs in this region of the US.

Establish the Skin Cancer’s Extent

Superficial skin cancers such as BCC spread rarely. A biopsy which excises the complete growth is usually the only test necessary to determine the stage of the cancer.

The patient may need further tests such as imaging tests to assess surrounding lymph nodes for cancer signs or a procedure to remove a nearby lymph node and test it for the presence of cancer cells (sentinel lymph node biopsy).

Roman numerals I through IV are used to signify the stage of the cancer. Cancers which are small and restricted to the site where they began are known as Stage I cancers. Stage IV signifies an advanced cancer that has reached other body parts.

The stage of the cancer can help establish the most appropriate treatment option.

Mohs Surgery Procedure

A trained Mohs surgeon will perform Mohs surgery. A majority of Mohs surgeons are dermatologists who have completed in-depth Mohs training.

Most patients will stay awake during Mohs surgery meaning that this procedure can be safely undertaken in a surgical suite or medical office. The patient will need to be admitted to a hospital only in case the procedure is extensive.

The surgeon will examine the treatment site on the day of the procedure. Then the patient will be prepped for surgery. This will include administering an anesthetic injection. This injection will numb only the treatment area, and the patient remains awake during the procedure.

Subsequent to the anesthetic taking effect, the surgeon commences the procedure by removing visible skin cancer. They will then excise a thin layer of surrounding skin. The patient will then be bandaged and can wait comfortably.

While the patient waits, the surgeon will use a microscope to study the removed skin to identify cancer cells. Another skin layer removal will be necessary if cancer cells are detected.

The removal of thin skin layers continues until the surgeon no longer sees malignant cells under a microscope.

In case no cancer cells are visible, the surgeon will decide if the wound needs treatment. Some wounds heal adequately without sutures while others require stitches. The surgeon may use a skin graft or another surgery to minimize scarring and enable wound healing.

In case wound treatment is necessary, the surgeon will treat it on the same day. Patients with a significant wound are sometimes referred to another surgeon to address it.

The successful Dr. Ewanowski’s skin care clinic is equipped to provide advanced medical and aesthetic skin care solutions to patients in Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brookesville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, The Villages Central Florida, Florida, and nearby areas in this glorious region of America.

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Petersburg / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz (2 locations), Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, Largo at Bardmoor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Palm Harbor, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.