Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Canada. Most types of skin cancer have been directly linked to sun exposure and are typically discovered on the face, head, neck, hands and feet. The good news is skin cancer has a very high recovery rate when diagnosed and treated early.
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can vary widely in appearance. The cancer may begin as small and over time and you may notice white or pink bumps. The lesion can also appear as shiny, waxy, pitted or smooth on the skin’s surface.
You might also notice a red spot that’s rough to touch, or a white patch that looks like scar tissue. It can also be in the form of a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal after two to four weeks.
Skin cancer is usually noted by a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin.
A: Asymmetry: a growth with different looking halves
B: Border irregularity: edges that are not perfectly rounded or smooth
C: Color: a spotted appearance, with shades of black, brown, tan and sometimes mixed with red, white, or blue
D: Diameter: a growth about the size of a pencil eraser, 6 millimetres+ across or any unusual increase in size.
Get to know your skin and examine it regularly, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your body, get your family doctor to check it out, if it looks suspicious they will refer you to a specialist.
Most skin cancers are removed surgically. Small skin cancer lesions can be removed quickly and easily in Dr. Lyons’ office under a local anesthetic.
The best looking, barely there scars are usually obtained by removing the lesion with a scalpel blade, then stitching the wound together using cosmetic plastic surgery suturing techniques.
It is important to note that every patient heals differently. Your genetics, incision line location and following your aftercare instructions are some determining factors in the success of your surgery. Dr. Lyons will provide detailed post operative care instructions to follow during your recovery.
You can request to see Dr. Megan Lyons for your surgery. Ask your family doctor or a walk-in clinic physician to refer you to Dr. Lyons directly. They can call Dr. Lyons’ office at 306.566.4664 or they can fax a consultation request to 306.205.2250.
