Skin Cancer Surgery in Columbus, OH
Skin cancer can be one of the most frightening diagnoses for people living in the Greater Columbus area. If you believe that you have skin cancer, rely on the expertise of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham. She will recommend skin cancer surgery and other treatments to remove the cancerous tissue.
What is Skin Cancer Surgery?
Skin cancer surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancers. The exception is advanced malignant melanoma. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hicks-Graham performs skin cancer surgery to remove cancerous tissue that is localized in nature. In many cases, the surgery removes all signs of cancer, and you can focus on protecting your skin from developing new cancerous growths.
Skin Cancer Surgery Benefits
Although most types of skin cancer are not life-threatening, the cancer cells can spread to surrounding skin and soft tissues. Removing cancer from your skin prevents complications.
Skin Cancer Screening
At Downtown Dermatology, we provide skin cancer screenings to residents of Columbus and Upper Arlington. Your skin cancer screening involves Dr. Hicks-Graham visually examining the growth. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hicks-Graham conducts skin cancer screenings as part of the complimentary consultation. The skin cancer screening takes less than 10 minutes and is the most effective way to detect skin cancer in the early stages when treatment provides the best prognosis.
What Can Be Treated with Skin Cancer Surgery?
Dr. Hicks-Graham performs skin cancer surgery on patients of all ages. Skin cancer surgery may be recommended for:
What Can I Expect From Skin Cancer Surgery?
As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hicks-Graham specializes in:
- Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue and a margin of healthy tissue
- Topical chemotherapy
- Laser surgery
- Cryotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Medications to work with the immune system
She may recommend a single treatment approach or a combination of treatments for your skin cancer surgery. If you have a large area of skin cancer, she may recommend surgery that includes skin grafts to help the area heal.
Skin Cancer Surgery Preparation
The first step in skin cancer treatment is to get an accurate diagnosis of the type and extent of the skin cancer. We recommend that you have a skin cancer screening by Dr. Hicks-Graham. She will explain the skin cancer surgery, but in most cases no special preparation is required.
Skin Cancer Surgery Recovery
Skin cancer surgery removes cancerous tissue from your skin, so you will likely have an incision that is closed with sutures. Dr. Hicks-Graham will wrap the area with a bandage to keep it dry and clean. You may need to apply an antibiotic ointment to the area or take oral medications. You should monitor the area for redness, swelling, itching and other signs of infections.
Skin cancer is most often caused by sun exposure and using tanning beds. You should use a proper sunscreen while outdoors and limit your exposure to the sun and tanning beds.
How Much Does Skin Cancer Surgery Cost?
Skin cancer surgery is covered by medical insurance. Our patient coordinator will help you understand the out-of-pocket costs. Payment can be made by cash, check, major credit card and CareCredit® financing.
Is Skin Cancer Surgery Right for Me?
If you have an unusual growth or area of discolored skin, you should have a skin cancer screening with Dr. Hicks-Graham. Skin cancer is easily treatable when detected early. If Dr. Hicks-Graham determines that you do not have skin cancer, she will provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your skin condition.
Skin Cancer Surgery Consultation
Skin cancer surgery is a safe and effective treatment for most skin cancer cases. Contact Downtown Dermatology to schedule a consultation and skin cancer screening. Dr. Hicks-Graham will inform you if skin cancer surgery is the right option for you.
Finding out that you have skin cancer can be overwhelming, but the staff of Downtown Dermatology is here to help. Our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, and she can perform skin cancer surgery to remove the cancerous tissue.