Skin Cancer Plastic Surgery
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More
than 500,000 new cases are reported each year - and the incidence is rising
faster than any other type of cancer. Anyone can get skin cancer - no matter
what your skin type, race or age, no matter where you live or what you do.
Though skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, 80 percent appear
on the face, nose, head or neck, where they may be disfiguring as well as
dangerous.
Fortunately, most skin cancers can be removed by plastic surgeons. If the cancer is small, the procedure usually can be performed quickly and easily in your doctor's office or in an outpatient facility. In many cases, the resulting scar will be barely visible, or will be concealed within the natural folds and contours of your face.
Cancer of any sort is frightening to most patients, but when it carries with it the possibility of scarring and disfiguration, the patient is apt to be particularly apprehensive and even depressed. Cure is the primary goal of treatment for any skin cancer, but all parties to the treatment planning should be sensitive to the patient's desire to emerge with an appearance that is as aesthetically appealing as possible. Early consultation with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon makes good sense even if the primary care physician utlimately undertakes the treatment. Together the primary care physician and the plastic surgeon can develop appropriate options for the patient to consider.
