There are three types of skin cancer, each representing the malignant change of the three cell types found in the epidermis, or the uppermost layer of the skin. The most common type is the basal cell carcinoma, which grows locally, and is less likely to have extensions along its borders through the skin. The second is the squamous cell carcinoma, which can have some extensions into the skin bordering the tumor, and may on rare occasions also have cells spread to the lymph nodes.

The third is the malignant melanoma, which is derived from the melanocytes, or the cells in the epidermis that produce the pigment to give color to our skin. These are the cells which cause pigment production after exposure to the sun, leading to the tanning color. These cancers are more likely to have malignant cells migrate a distance from the border of the visible cancer, and are much more capable of spreading to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

The surgical procedures to remove these tumors are performed by means of incisions along the natural skin creases to camouflage the healing scars. On occasion, the surgical wound may be large enough to require a skin graft, or a skin flap (skin and fatty tissue) from an adjacent area, to repair the surgical wound.

These operations are commonly performed by Dr. Ariyan under local anesthesia or general anesthesia in the outpatient setting. Following surgery, you will be discharged to your home.