With well over 2 million people residing in the greater Pittsburgh area, approximately 470,000 people may need to undergo skin cancer removal in Pittsburgh. Early detection of skin cancer through routine screenings, both at home and by a dermatologist, can help increase the chances of fighting back. Skin cancer has a high curable rate when it is found and addressed early.
Conducting a Self-skin Examination
To conduct a self-skin examination, you will need a few items easily found around your house. These include good lighting, a full-length mirror, and a hand-held mirror. You may find that a hair dryer and chair may be helpful during your full-body exam. Once you have these items, conduct a thorough examination of your skin. Take a picture of any warts or moles to monitor them.
You should complete a self-skin examination about once a month. This will allow you to notice any changes in your moles or warts that may lead to skin cancer. Self-exams will help you catch possible problem areas early so that you can schedule an appointment with a dermatology office that performs skin cancer removal in Pittsburgh. While a general skin cancer screening can be completed at home, your dermatologist can provide a more thorough examination.
In-Office Skin Cancer Screenings
An in-office cancer screening allows your dermatologist to examine the areas of your body that may be more difficult for you to examine yourself. The dermatologist is also able to identify areas that may not be presenting symptoms but have the potential to become skin cancer. By detecting these areas early, a less invasive procedure for skin cancer removal in Pittsburgh can be scheduled.
During your appointment, your dermatologist will visually examine your skin for melanoma and non-melanoma, as well as precancerous growths. When a precancerous growth is found, a biopsy or treatment can be conducted during your appointment. Your dermatologist can also provide tips for self-exams and areas to watch.
A Quick Guide to Skin Cancer Removal in Pittsburgh
If skin cancer has been detected, there are different procedures available for the removal process. Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers skin cancer removal through our Mohs Surgery Center. At the Mohs Surgery Center, all stages of the skin cancer removal are performed.
During your procedure our surgeons will remove the cancerous cells and process the tissue on site to ensure complete removal. Once your skin cancer has been completely removed, your dermatologist will reconstruct the area to minimize any scarring that may occur.
Skin cancer removal in Pittsburgh at our Mohs Surgery Center will take approximately half of a day. If possible, have someone bring you to your appointment. We recommend that you dress comfortably and bring something to occupy your time.
We suggest that you arrive 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment. Once you have checked in, a medical history and physical exam will occur. The surgical site will be examined and verified. Once this has been completed, the area will be numbed, and the skin cancer removal procedure will begin.
What to Expect for the Procedure
Your dermatologist will then examine the removed tissues under a microscope to ensure that all cancer cells have been removed. If there are still cancer cells present, another layer of tissue will be removed and examined. This process will continue until all cancer cells have been removed. Once it is verified that all cancer cells are removed, the surgical area will be reconstructed to reduce scarring.
After your procedure is complete, expect to wear a bandage and keep the area dry for 48 hours. As with many surgeries, you may notice bleeding, soreness, and swelling. Our staff will provide you with detailed instructions for post-surgery care. Smoking, non-prescribed blood thinners, and alcohol are to be avoided. Speak to your dermatologist about your exercise regimen for recommendations regarding your aftercare.
To schedule an in-office skin examination or to discuss changes in skin lesions or growths that you noticed during a self-examination, contact us today. Our highly trained professionals will conduct a thorough examination and, if needed, provide more information regarding our procedures for skin cancer removal in Pittsburgh.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.