What Is a Skin Cancer Screening?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The good news is that skin cancer is very treatable when it's diagnosed early, which is why our plastic surgeons at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery recommend getting regular skin cancer screenings at our Birmingham, AL practice. In addition to screenings, we can also perform biopsies of abnormal growths and remove cancerous lesions. For more information, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
How Are Skin Cancer Screenings Performed?
During a skin assessment, we will check the entire body for moles, birthmarks, and any abnormal growths or lesions. We might also create a "mole map" to mark areas of concern so we can easily identify new moles at future appointments.
In the event that we find a suspicious mole or spot, we might perform a biopsy. This involves numbing the area and cutting away a small sample, which will be sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Once we have the results, we'll reach out and discuss the next steps to take.
What Happens if Skin Cancer is Detected?
If skin cancer is detected, it may be possible to remove the lesion and reconstruct the treated area.
Skin cancer removal
If skin cancer is detected, small or contained lesions may be able to be removed through a simple surgical process. If the cancer extends beneath the skin, frozen sections may be able to be used. This is when small parts of tissue are removed, sent to the pathologist, and quickly frozen to determine if they are cancerous. This helps determine if all of the cancer was removed. Additionally, Mohs surgery may be performed to look for clear margins or areas where the skin cancer has not spread.
Skin cancer reconstruction
When frozen sections is utilized, it often results in disfigurement that requires a local flap. Surrounding healthy skin is repositioned over the wound and sutured into place. In some instances, a skin graft may be needed, where a bit of skin is removed from another area of the body and used to cover the wound.
What Are the Benefits of Skin Cancer Screenings?
Routine skin cancer screenings give our team at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery the chance to identify areas of concern and recommend how to proceed. Some of the benefits of skin cancer screenings are:
- Allows our team to diagnose melanoma and other cancers in the beginning phases
- Appointments are quick and convenient
- Provides peace of mind when it comes to suspicious moles or growths
- Could make skin cancer more manageable to treat when detected sooner
Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery Reviews
Dr. Gunn is so wonderful, he was a blessing to me on Thursday my procedure process went very well, also my recovery is doing great also. I just want to say I’m so thankful for the wonderful staff and especially the surgeons who made my day worth while ! You all are awesome 👏🏾
I am so grateful and dazzled by Dr Halka’s skill and care! (Don’t let the low prices lead you to doubt this fabulous surgery, spa, or doctors.) I love having my body back, and how closely Doctor Joshua Halka and his staff have continued to look after me, months after my surgery!
Dr. Gunn is awesome to say the least! He done my breast implants and I’m so happy I chose him to do them. After the surgery, I took a short nap then got up, went shopping and to a movie with my husband. Dr. Gunn was very thorough and answered any and every question I had! The nurses are all so nice, knowledgeable, and helpful also. The anesthesiologist was great and talked me through the whole process. Thank you for such an amazing experience!
10/10 recommend Dr Halka and his staff! I researched other local plastic surgeons before making my decision. I loved the reviews I read & before & after results from Dr. Halka. My experience has been amazing throughout the whole process from the consultation to post op. I had abdominoplasty & breast augmentation done on 5/21. My results are even better than I expected, I couldn’t be more thrilled! I finally have my confidence back after having 2 children. Dr Halka is very knowledgeable, kind & compassionate. He answered all of my questions with ease. I would highly recommend him to my friends and colleagues. If you’re considering taking the next step, schedule a consultation. You will be in great hands! Thank you Dr. Halka!
Just had breast augmentation yesterday and am already in love. Dr. Hedden was very patient with my questions and concerns and all of his staff are wonderful. The anesthesiologist was great and I was in and out with no memory of anything except sitting on the surgery table. Highly recommend.
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Keep Your Skin Healthy
Skin cancer screenings and treatments are essential for maintaining skin health and addressing any potential concerns early. Our plastic surgeons at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings and personalized treatment options to ensure optimal care and early intervention. To schedule a routine skin cancer screening in Birmingham, AL, contact our office today.