(813) 929-7400
Wesley Chapel Location:
26844 Tanic Drive
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Basal cell carcinoma can appear in many forms but often begins as a small, pearly nodule.
Squamous cell carcinoma can begin as a red, scaly patch, a group of crusted nodules, or a sore that doesn't heal.
Malignant melanoma is often asymmetrical, with blurred or ragged edges and mottled colors.
Small skin cancers can often be excised quickly and easily in the physician's office.
As inhabitants of the Sunshine State, we Tampa Bay - New Tampa residents have to be particularly aware of changes in our skin. Even if you don't spend the majority of your leisure time at the beach, you are exposed to UV radiation every time you step outdoors, whether walking to and from your car, or finishing a round of 18 holes at your favorite golf course.
Of the non-melanoma skin cancers, the world's most common is basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma usually grows slowly in the basal cells that line the deepest layer of the epidermis, and rarely metastasizes. It can, however, cause significant destruction and disfigurement to the skin if neglected.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common after basal cell carcinoma. Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is slow-growing. It attacks the squamous cells that make up the top layer of the epidermis. Though unlikely, squamous cell carcinomas can metastasize and even cause death. Individuals with a previous diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma are at higher risk for contracting squamous cell carcinoma.
For information on melanoma, another form of skin cancer in Tampa, please refer to melanoma surgery procedural information.
* UVR (ultraviolet radiation) exposure
* Chemical carcinogens exposure
* Immunosuppression
* Infections
* Genetic susceptibility
* Fair skin, blond or red hair, light-colored eyes
* Chronic inflammation
If you have received a diagnosis of skin cancer that has been confirmed by biopsy, you may be a good candidate for treatment with Dr. Albear.
A surgical approach to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma may involve curettage, surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, or cryotherapy.
Curettage
Dr. Albear will scrape away the cancer with a curette, then apply electricity to destroy any remaining cancer cells. The heat produced by an electrocautery needle destroys the remaining tumor.
Surgical excision
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, Dr. Albear will use a scalpel to remove the tumor along with a surrounding border of normal skin. He then sutures the skin around the surgical site. The excised tissue is sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination to verify that all the malignant cells have been removed.
Mohs micrographic surgery
Once local anesthesia has been applied, Dr. Albear makes a first-level incision to gather a tissue sample to analyze under a microscope. He then excises the melanoma layer-by-layer until only healthy tissue remains.
Radiation therapy
This approach is generally used for tumors surgically untreatable. X–ray beams are directed at the tumor, a procedure that must be repeated several times each week for a few weeks. Radiation therapy is used in cases in which cancer has spread to organs or lymph nodes or for tumors untreatable with surgery.
Cryotherapy
During cryotherapy, the cancerous tissue is destroyed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. The procedure may be repeated at the same session to ensure total destruction of malignant cells.
With patients of Mohs surgery, only minor discomfort is expected. You may experience some mild bruising and swelling. The wound may require daily care at home; if this is the case, Dr. Albear will review the post-operative instructions with you in detail. Other surgical approaches to skin cancer require varying degrees and types of care. In most cases, you will be instructed on how to care for your bandages and dressings. Dr. Albear may also schedule follow-up visits with you so that he can monitor your recovery.
To learn more about the benefits, costs or possible side effects of treatment for skin cancer in Tampa and in Pasco County, FL, contact Dr. Albear at his Wesley Chapel office for a personal consultation.
