Surgical Services
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a special surgical technique for the removal of high-risk Basal and Squamous cell carcinomas or skin cancers that have failed other treatment methods, are aggressive in nature, or occur in areas that have a high risk of recurrence, such as the nose. By using microscopic control, this method has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatment options. Also, by removing thin layers of skin in the surrounding area until all traces of cancer have been eliminated, Dr. Campbell can avoid the necessity of removing excess skin and minimize the wound size. To learn more about this procedure and schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell, contact our office today.
Who is a Candidate?
Mohs surgery can benefit patients with high risk or aggressive Basal cell or Squamous cell carcinomas. Although other methods are available, Mohs surgery may be a more appropriate treatment if:
You have persistent cancerous growths that recurred after previous treatments.
Your skin cancer is in an area that has a high risk for recurrences, such as your ears, scalp, central face and hands.
Your tumor occurs adjacent to a vital skin area such as eyes, ears, and nose.
You have a large, quickly progressing, complex, or high-risk form of skin cancer.
Dr. Campbell can determine if Mohs surgery is right for you during your consultation.
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The goal of MOHS surgery is to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may be cancerous using microscopic control. To start the procedure, you will be administered a long-acting local anesthesia injection. Next, Dr. Campbell will use a scalpel to remove your cancerous growth, as well as a small portion of surrounding skin. You will wait in the reception area (this can be as long as an hour or more) while the specimen is processed and reviewed by Dr. Campbell using a microscope to analyze the tissue for signs of cancer. If any cancer remains, the location is mapped so that she will know where to take the next specimens noting the size and location of any remaining cancer. This continues in a step wise fashion until the surgery site shows no signs of cancer and the removal is complete and you are cancer-free. Once he has eliminated all suspicious tissue, Dr. Campbell will discuss with you in detail your options for repair of the wound. This can be managed in one of several different ways. The wound can be allowed to heal by itself or the wound can be closed with simple primary closure, skin flap, or skin graft.
Lastly, for extensive or complicated wounds, Dr. Campbell maintains a close working relationship with plastic and ENT surgeons who are very skilled and accommodating to the needs of MOHS surgery patients. We will do everything possible to assure that you have the best cosmetic result possible.
Prior to and after the procedure, you will given detailed and thorough pre and post op instructions. Please read them carefully and follow them as best that you possibly can to ensure the best outcome of your procedure. Also, if you elect this treatment option, you may need to be here into the afternoon as it can take several hours to complete. You should also wear loose clothing, bring entertainment or other persons to keep you occupied, and consider lunch arrangements if the procedure extends into the afternoon. We will do our best to make you comfortable.
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You should be able to return to work and normal activity the day after your MOHS surgery. Follow-up visits are schedule from 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort, but Dr. Campbell can prescribe oral pain medications to alleviate this if you feel the need. Your skin may take from 6 to 12 months to fully heal, however, and the skin in your treatment area may be red and swollen a few weeks. Although MOHS surgery should remove all existing malignancies, you will still need to take certain precautions to ensure skin cancer doesn't recur. These include limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen when outdoors, avoiding smoking, and returning for follow-up exams as requested.
Learn more about Mohs surgery and how Dr. Campbell can help patients become completely free of skin cancer. Contact our office today to learn more about this procedure and schedule a consultation.
Skin Cancer Excision
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with more than 3 million cases diagnosed in this country each year. Due to its seriousness and frequency, we provide patients with comprehensive care for the treatment of skin cancer. Dr. Campbell offers numerous procedures to help our patients maintain their dermatological and overall health. With proper education and awareness, you can notice skin cancer or precancerous indications and pursue treatment before they progress further.
We can diagnose, treat, and monitor signs of skin cancer for your well-being, appearance, and peace of mind. To learn more about skin cancer or schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell, contact our office today.
Skin cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells. If left untreated, skin cancers will slowly grow and destroy surrounding tissue. Some skin cancers can spread to other parts of your body and be fatal. For this reason, early detection and treatment are important to ensure a good outcome. There are three primary types of skin cancer.
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This type of skin cancer is the least dangerous of the three because it is usually slow-growing and not likely to spread throughout your body. Basal cell carcinoma growths often have a lustrous, shiny surface and can be pink, brown, or flesh-colored. They often bleed easily with minimal skin trauma such as rubbing or shaving. They can occur on any part of the body which has a history of sun or tanning bed exposure.
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These cancerous growths are the second most common type. They frequently occur as raised, scaly growths or persistent ulcers that flake or bleed. Although they can, in some instances, spread to other parts of your body, if they are treated early this is not likely to occur and the outcome is usually good. Like Basal cell carcinomas, Squamous cell carcinomas also tend to occur in skin areas with long-term ultraviolet light exposure.
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This is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer as it can be aggressive and may spread to other areas of the body. Melanoma grows in the pigmented skin cells, and can sometimes develop from moles. Because of this, it is important to monitor your entire skin surface and existing moles for the ABCDEs (asymmetry, unusual borders, shifting colors, expanding diameters, and any other form of evolution) or change in the mole’s appearance or texture. Moles that begin to ooze liquid, bleed, grow rapidly or irregularly should always be examined by a Dermatologist.
As a general rule, if you notice any unusual or changing skin growths, contact our office for a consultation. The earlier we can detect and treat skin cancer, the better it is for you.
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Dr. Campbell may recommend one or more treatment options based on the type, size, and scope of your skin precancer or skin cancer.
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When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Campbell will examine your skin for signs of cancerous or precancerous growths (such as actinic keratoses, which can become Squamous cell carcinomas). If she notices anything suspicious, she will recommend that it be biopsied. After a local anesthetic and removal of a tissue sample, the specimen will be processed at a lab and he will examine it under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous and, if so, which type of skin cancer it is. At this point, Dr. Campbell will recommend an appropriate course of treatment. We are committed to finding the most effective and cosmetically acceptable methods with the highest cure rate to keep your skin healthy.
Cryotherapy – Dr. Campbell may use liquid nitrogen to freeze precancerous growths, causing them to slough off over the next few weeks.
Topical Chemotherapy – Lotions or creams with chemicals that prevent cell growth may be prescribed to stop the spread or development of skin cancer and precancers. You will apply this treatment directly on your skin once or twice daily for about six weeks until your lesions are gone.
Superficial Destruction - For small low-risk Squamous or Basal cell carcinomas, this method is often used where the tumor is destroyed with an instrument called a Curette.
Surgical Excision - In this common procedure, the tumor site is marked, surgically removed and repaired, and the specimen is sent to an outside lab for processing. This is a method for Melanomas and is sometimes used with other skin cancers.
Mohs Surgery – Typically reserved for more complex skin cancer cases or patients with a high risk of recurrence, Dr. Campbell can surgically remove the tumor and surrounding layers of skin with Mohs surgery. In this process, he will also microscopically examine each tissue specimen in detail to ensure that no malignancy remains.
Radiation – If your skin cancer is more aggressive, large, or has spread to other parts of your body, Dr. Campbell may refer you to a radiation specialist for more advanced treatment.
At Campbell Dermatology and Aesthetics, we will work closely with you to determine which treatment options are appropriate for your needs and preferences. With each of these treatments, Dr. Campbell uses her dermatological knowledge and experience to effect a high cure rate while giving ample concern for the cosmetic outcome. No matter which procedure you choose, we arrange for your long-term follow-up to detect any possible recurrences or additional skin cancers.
Early detection and treatment is vital. Understanding these serious conditions and knowing when to seek treatment could save your life. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell.
Cysts
Although often concern and attention by patients and the media is with skin cancer and precancerous growths, most lesions growing on the skin are benign. However, benign growths are also important. The most common benign lesions are cysts, moles, lipomas, skin tags, and various keratoses. They are a frequent source of pain, itching, and irritation. At Campbell Dermatology and Aesthetics,, we never take your concerns about any growth lightly. After a careful look at your skin, we can discuss the options for removal.
If you have cysts or any unwanted growths, these can usually be removed with little scarring by a variety of techniques. These techniques may include excision, destruction with laser, or liquid nitrogen. Using topical or injectable anesthesia, Dr. Campbell can provide safe and effective removal with little discomfort. For each procedure that requires it, we will perform a pathology on any removed tissue to test for any malignancy, and recommend additional treatments as needed.