Dermato-oncology
The focus on skin cancer. We have built an excellent expertise in the recognition and treatment of skin cancer.
The lifetime risk of developing skin cancer is 1 in 5 in the U.S. population. Exposure to UV rays is the number one risk factor. Prevention and early detection of skin cancer is essential. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer is treatable with early detection. The five year survival rate is over 98%. Unfortunately every hour one American dies because of skin cancer.
Treatments that we offer:
Doel
A surgical excision is done to remove benign tumors (lipoma, sebaceous cysts), skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma) and (cosmetically disturbing) moles of the skin.
If a suspected skin cancer is concerned, the removed piece of skin is always checked microscopically. The results are known after two weeks.
Procedure
Time: 20-30 minutes.
The skin is disinfected with alcohol. This feels a cold. This is followed by one or a few pricks with an anesthetic liquid, depending on the size of the area to be treated. The skin is now numb.
After the skin is covered sterile, an ellipse-shaped cut made in the skin down to the superficial adipose tissue. Any blood vessels is cauterized. The skin is then bonded by two layers of sutures. The subcutaneous sutures ensure durability and dissolve in about 120 days. For a good cosmetic result the epidermis is stiched with superficial sutures. These sutures remain one to two weeks after which they are removed at the outpatient clinic. The wound is covered with adhesive dressings and compression bandages.
Aftercare
After three days, you may remove the pressure bandage. During the time that the pressure bandage is worn it is advised to keep the wound dry, so the wound edges can grow together. Furthermore, it is wise not to exercise or lifting heavy things for one week after the stitches are removed. Finally, the advice to scars for a year well against the sun.
Is there a risk of side effects?
With every surgery there is a risk of infection. The skin becomes red, swollen and feels warm. It is important that in this case you contact us.
Furthermore, there is a risk of developing a hematoma, but which disappears within a few weeks. In rare occurrences a scar in the months after surgery can widen or become thicker.
Very rarely there may occur bleeding after the procedure. In that case apply pressure for twenty minutes with a dry clean cloth. Contact us directly if the bleeding does not stop.
Finally, in very rare cases, damage to a nerve twig can occur, causing a piece of skin to be numb. In time this restores almost always.
Precautions
If you are taking blood thinners, it is sometimes necessary to stop this before surgery. Report using them always to your dermatologist. Stopping blood thinners happened always in consultation with your general practitioner or specialist, never independently.