To learn more about our surgical dermatology options, including Mohs skin cancer surgery, contact our Bay Area practice to schedule a consultation with our dermatologists.
Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area
165 Lynch Creek Way
Petaluma, California 94954
Phone: (707) 762-5531
Fax: (707) 762-5976
500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 245
Hercules, California 94547
Phone: (510) 741-7418
Fax: (510) 741-7456
As dermatologic surgeons, our dermatologists are highly experienced in skin cancer surgery, as well as in the removal of benign tumors and moles. They use a variety of surgical techniques to achieve optimal medical and cosmetic results for each patient. At our practice, advanced surgical dermatology procedures, including Mohs skin cancer surgery, are available to patients throughout the Bay Area.
There are several skin cancer surgery techniques used at Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area. The type that is used in a particular case will depend on the stage of cancer development. A simple surgical excision of cancerous cells is performed when skin cancer is in an early stage. Pre-cancerous lesions can often be treated through non-surgical methods such as photodynamic therapy. However, when the skin cancer has progressed, a more aggressive technique, such as Mohs surgery, may be necessary.
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Mohs surgery is highly effective for treating certain types of invasive, recurrent, or difficult skin cancers. The procedure is performed with microscopic examination of the removed cancerous tissue, which makes the surgery extremely precise so that the greatest amount of healthy tissue is spared. For this reason, Mohs surgery is often used to treat cancerous lesions on highly visible areas of the body, such as the face, where tissue preservation is desirable for cosmetic and functional reasons. It is also often used for lesions that have a great likelihood of recurrence, or those that have recurred after prior treatment.
During Mohs surgery at our Bay Area practice, cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope. Layers are removed until all cancerous tissue has been eliminated.
If you have a skin lesion that concerns you, it is important to have it examined by an experienced dermatologist. Our dermatologists will thoroughly examine your skin lesion to determine if it is cancerous. If you have skin cancer, our dermatologists will determine the surgical method that is best for you. To learn more about skin cancer surgery, including Mohs surgery, contact Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area to schedule an appointment.
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In addition to the removal of skin cancer lesions through surgery, our dermatologists are experienced at removing benign moles and skin growths for cosmetic or aesthetic enhancement. Moles and benign tumors can mar the appearance of otherwise attractive skin, and they can be a nuisance when they rub on clothing or impede shaving.
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Many types of skin cancer surgery, including Mohs surgery, as well as the removal of tumors or moles, can be invasive and result in a scar or deformity. Our dermatologists are highly skilled in reconstructive procedures to ensure that you receive the best cosmetic result possible. There are two types of reconstruction commonly used by our dermatologists: skin graft and flap reconstruction.
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A skin graft is used when cancerous tumor removal leaves a large defect that cannot be easily closed from simply suturing the surrounding healthy skin together.
Skin is removed from the “donor area” to cover the skin cancer defect, the “recipient area”. Donor skin is chosen that has similar color and texture to the recipient defect area.
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A flap is when healthy adjacent skin is moved or rotated into the resultant defect after skin cancer surgery. There are many types of flaps; advancement, rotational, bilobed, island pedicle – each with their own indications depending on the location and size of the skin cancer defect.
Our dermatologists can often perform the reconstructive surgery at the same time as skin cancer surgery or other dermatologic surgery. As with all of their procedures, our dermatologists strive for the best possible cosmetic outcome, and will choose the reconstruction method that will achieve the most natural appearance possible.
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To learn more about dermatologic surgery, including Mohs skin cancer surgery performed at our Bay Area dermatology centers, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our dermatologists will determine which dermatologic surgery procedure will achieve a natural result.
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