If you have an abnormal mole or a strange growth on your skin, make an appointment with Rohit K. Sahai, MD, a board-certified surgeon at Sahai Surgical Specialists, in Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Sahai has years of experience in identifying skin cancer and precancerous growths as well as performing surgeries to remove the cancer cells. Call Sahai Surgical Specialists or schedule a consultation online today.

Skin Cancer Q & A

 What are the signs of skin cancer?

Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the three most common types of skin cancer. Each appears slightly differently on your skin.

Melanoma forms in the melanocyte cells in your skin, and while it’s less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, it’s far more dangerous as it has a high likelihood of spreading to other parts of your body.

Melanomas look like abnormal moles. While a healthy mole is small, round, and brownish, melanomas are usually larger than a pencil eraser with irregular borders, shapes, and colors.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type of skin cancer. It usually appears as small, red, scaly bumps or patches on your skin. Squamous cell carcinomas look like open sores or warts or raised lumps with depressed centers. While basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma have a lower risk of spreading, you should still have them diagnosed and removed to avoid disfigurement, nerve damage, and other complications.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Dr. Sahai begins skin cancer diagnosis with a physical exam of your skin. If he sees any abnormal growths, he may take a biopsy for further testing.

During a biopsy, Dr. Sahai takes a small sample of cells from the abnormal growth. He may shave a few cells from the surface or use a device to collect a plug of cells from deeper in your skin.  

How is skin cancer treated?

Dr. Sahai offers expert skin cancer removal procedures at Sahai Surgical Specialists. Depending on the type of skin cancer you have, and its location, Dr. Sahai may recommend any one of a variety of methods including:

Excision

During an excision procedure, Dr. Sahai uses a scalpel to cut out the skin cancer and a small amount of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is a more precise excision procedure. Dr. Sahai removes small slivers of the skin cancer and examines each section under a microscope before removing the next piece. He completes the surgery when there aren’t any cancer cells in the removed tissue, and he checks all the borders.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses freezing temperatures to destroy cancer cells. Dr. Sahai applies liquid nitrogen to your skin cancer. Over the following weeks the growth blisters, dries, and falls off.

Electrosurgery

During electrosurgery, Dr. Sahai uses a specialized handheld device with an electrified loop on its tip. The electricity heats the loop, allowing it to scrape through your skin to remove skin cancer easily.

If you’re concerned about skin cancer, call Sahai Surgical Specialists or schedule a consultation online today.