Skin Cancer Treatment

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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. While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous.

Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of the growth and examining its cells under a microscope. It can be treated by a number of methods, depending on the type of cancer, its stage of growth, and its location on your body.

Most skin cancers are removed surgically. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, using local anesthesia. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. Or curettage and desiccation may be performed. In this procedure the cancer is scraped out with an electric current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells. This leaves a slightly larger, white scar. In either case, the risks of the surgery are low.

The Centre for Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids helps skin cancer patients across Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Cadillac, and Traverse City, Michigan. Schedule an initial consultation today, or email us with any questions or concerns.