Treatment of Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Cancer is a scary word; fortunately, most skin cancers are curable. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Each year, more than 2 million people are treated for basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. Approximately 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, each year. Treatment of skin cancer varies depending on the type, size, location, and previous treatments. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer completely. Surgery is usually the treatment of choice for individuals with skin cancer; although, in some cases, other treatments may be needed. Dr. Karimipour is considered a Dermatology Oncologist and an expert in making these important treatment decisions.
Most non-melanoma skin cancers can be treated with simple procedures like an excision; however, certain high risk tumors need a more specialized approach with Mohs surgery. Most early stages of melanoma can be treated by excision or a staged square excision technique.
Most non-melanoma skin cancers can be treated with simple procedures like an excision; however, certain high risk tumors need a more specialized approach with Mohs surgery. Most early stages of melanoma can be treated by excision or a staged square excision technique.
Procedures Offered at Karimipour Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Cutaneous Reconstruction using flaps and grafts
Excisions for benign and malignant lesions
Skin biopsies
Electrosurgery for Rhinophyma
* All procedures are performed using local anesthesia
Cutaneous Reconstruction using flaps and grafts
Excisions for benign and malignant lesions
Skin biopsies
Electrosurgery for Rhinophyma
* All procedures are performed using local anesthesia
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
This method is often used to treat certain types of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers particularly high risk or recurrent tumors. After locally anesthetizing the area of skin, Dr. Karimipour removes the tumor with a small margin of surrounding skin. Dr. Karimipour will then examine the adequacy of this margin under a microscope. If tumor persists, additional skin is removed only in the area of tumor positivity leaving healthy skin intact. This technique achieves the highest cure rate. See section on Mohs Surgery for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers for additional information.
Cutaneous Reconstruction
Following removal of the tumor, the defect created by the tumor removal will be reconstructed in a fashion that will minimize scarring. Dr. Karimipour has extensive training in the reconstruction of these types of defects. Reconstruction options vary depending on the size and location of the defect. Most defects can be closed in a straight line; however, some involve more advanced reconstruction using skin grafts or flaps. Occasionally, a defect can be left to "fill in" or heal without stitches. This is known as secondary intention healing.
Excision for Benign and Malignant Lesions
Excision is a common treatment to remove any type of skin cancer. After local anesthesia of the area of skin, Dr. Karimipour removes the growth along with a small border (margin) of normal skin around the growth. The margin of skin is then examined by a Dermatopathologist under a microscope to be certain that all the abnormal cells have been removed. The width of the margin depends on the type of growth or tumor. See section on Melanoma Skin Cancer for additional information.
Electrosurgery for Rhinophyma
Rhinophyma (soft tissue and sebaceous hyperplasia of the nose) is a rare culmination of acne rosacea resulting in a bulbous nodular nose. This is often complicated by draining pustules. Rhinophyma responds well to electrosurgery with excellent cosmetic result and minimal
complications. Dr. Karimipour will use local anesthesia to numb the area and shave down the excess skin and soft tissue. The area is then left to heal with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Rhinophyma (soft tissue and sebaceous hyperplasia of the nose) is a rare culmination of acne rosacea resulting in a bulbous nodular nose. This is often complicated by draining pustules. Rhinophyma responds well to electrosurgery with excellent cosmetic result and minimal
complications. Dr. Karimipour will use local anesthesia to numb the area and shave down the excess skin and soft tissue. The area is then left to heal with minimal postoperative discomfort.
