Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Houston, TX

There are three most common types of skin cancer, known as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They are categorized as follows:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

is the least dangerous but the most pervasive type of skin cancer. However, it can grow and spread quickly by gnawing away at neighboring cells and tissue as it expands, causing a sore or ulceration that may eventually pose a significant threat. When this cancer mutates and spreads, it usually becomes increasingly aggressive, growing and spreading more rapidly and causing more severe damage, which may necessitate a more complicated treatment later on if not treated in time. This cancer usually appears and begins to develop slowly in the scalp, face, neck, and ears and may affect the chest, shoulders, arms, and hands. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 75% of all cases of skin cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

accounts for an estimated 20% of all cases of skin cancer and is typically less dangerous than melanoma, but poses a dangerous threat to neighboring tissue if left untreated and it can migrate to other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents a far more severe threat when it affects areas with mucous membranes, including the lips, eyelids, nostrils, sexual organs, or rectum.

Melanoma

is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can spread to other organs and body parts, for instance, the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, and brain. Although melanoma represents a mere 5% of all skin cancers, melanoma accounts for an alarming 75% of deaths resulting from skin cancer. Melanoma typically appears as a dark spot or lesion with rough edges that begin to grow noticeably or changes color.

If you notice any dark spots or skin lesions, moles, or birthmarks that conform to the subsequent “ABCDE” list of descriptors, these should be immediately examined by a doctor, and a biopsy performed to exclude the possibility of melanoma.

A: Asymmetrical shape
B: Borders marked by irregular, jagged, or scalloped edges
C: Color that varies between tan, brown, blue, and black in the same lesion
D: Diameter that grows in size or is larger than 6 mm
E: Evolution in shape, size, color, or appearance may include crusting, scabbing, or ulceration.

When skin cancer invades a relatively large area, it usually requires extensive surgery to remove the malignant lesions. This surgery may leave skin cancer deformities that are visually unappealing and may even interfere with comfort or normal functioning. Thanks to advanced skin cancer reconstructive surgery techniques, an experienced plastic surgeon can repair the affected area to restore its natural form, appearance, and function to a large degree.

If you plan to have a cancerous lesion removed, speak with Dr. Bachilo beforehand to plan for your reconstruction treatment immediately following your procedure.  Whenever possible, patients choose to undergo reconstructive surgery immediately or as soon as possible after excision surgery.

Planning for Your Reconstruction Surgery

Several techniques may be used in reconstructive surgery, depending on the treatment area and condition. Dr. Bachilo will work closely with your oncology team to help you plan for your reconstructive surgery in the manner most beneficial for your condition, bearing in mind that performing the reconstruction surgery immediately may optimize healing and reduce the recovery period. Nonetheless, there are cases in which, due to a patient’s particular needs or situation, reconstruction surgery may need to be postponed or performed at a later date.

Most skin cancer excisions and reconstructions are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia in the comfort of the doctor’s office and require only minimal downtime. You will receive detailed post-operative care instructions following your procedure, explaining how long you must rest, when you can resume normal activities such as bathing, and when to see Dr. Bachilo for a follow-up appointment.  Recovery time will vary, depending on the severity of the original surgery and the reconstructive process. Still, the focus will be on protecting the wound to ensure that the suture is not subjected to injury or impact. By carefully following all of Dr. Bachilo’s post-operative care instructions, you can optimize proper healing and minimize scar formation.