Skin Cancer Treatment – Role of Plastic Surgeons

Each year, over a half million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer, making this the most common type of cancer. The statistics are astonishing, and the numbers continue to grow. Although most people don't think about plastic surgery in combination with skin cancer, the reality is that many skin cancer patients are diagnosed and treated by plastic surgeons. Understanding the special role that a plastic surgeon has in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer can make your own journey to recovery easier.

Although we are inclined to associate the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer with dermatologists, in reality many plastic surgeons are the first medical professions to diagnose skin cancer. Their primary physician may refer a patient who notices an apprehensive growth or change in his or her skin to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

Plastic Surgeons for Skin Cancer Treatment

Plastic surgeons are particularly adept at diagnosing skin cancer. Therefore, if your primary physician refers you to a plastic surgeon rather than a dermatologist, chances are that you are safe. Many times, a plastic surgeon will work in conjunction with several other medical professionals to treat a patient successfully. If you suspect you have some form of skin cancer and find yourself being referred to a plastic surgeon, chances are that your plastic surgeon will be working in conjunction with specialists such as dermatologists, oncologists, and radiologists.

If your plastic surgeon finds that you do have skin cancer, you will likely face surgery to remove the cancerous growth. Like all surgical procedures, this type of surgery has its risks. However, these are small, and if you follow all of your doctor's directions, complications can be avoided. Discuss all of your concerns with your plastic surgeon earlier than surgery. Make certain you understand all the potential risks, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Your plastic surgeon will decide how the skin cancer will be removed depending on its size. Small cancers can be removed in your doctor's office, most of the time requiring the use of only local anesthesia. In more advanced cases, your plastic surgeon may offer you numerous options. These may range from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or extensive surgery. The recovery time after surgery will depend on your individual conditions. Make sure to follow all of your doctor's orders to facilitate a speedy recovery.

After the initial phase of diagnosis and treatment, many skin cancer patients look for the advice of plastic surgeons to discuss reconstruction. The removal of skin cancer growths may save your life, but it may also leave you with a less than perfect cosmetic appearance. Some results of skin cancer treatment include small scars to dramatic changes in facial structure.

Depending on each individual basis, reconstruction surgery exists as an option to help bring back a patient's original facial structure, or to improve the appearance of scars. Many plastic surgeons have perfected surgical techniques that allow them to mend damaged tissues and to revise unsightly scars.

Finding a good plastic surgeon is difficult, but certainly not impossible. Begin by getting a referral from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.