DIAGNOSING SKIN CANCER USING SHAVE BIOPSY, EXCISION, & SURGICAL RESECTION

The first step in treating a skin cancer is making the right diagnosis.  In the case of many skin cancers, the depth and extent of the skin cancer can make a big difference in the cure rate.  The deeper a skin cancer extends into adjacent skin tissue, the more dangerous it can be if left alone. Dr. Karamanoukian will take the necessary precautions to diagnose a skin cancer with the most minimal modality possible in order to minimize scarring and maximize the chance of obtaining a proper diagnosis. 

SHAVE BIOPSY TECHNIQUE TO DIAGNOSE SKIN CANCERS, LOS ANGELES 

One of the most common techniques for skin cancer diagnosis is known as a 'shave biopsy.' During a shave biopsy, the most superficial layer os skin is shaved off using a surgical blade. Once the shave biopsy is made, the specimen is sent to a pathology laboratory in order to obtain a tissue diagnosis under the microscope.  

Shave biopsies are commonly used for non-melanomatous types of skin cancer, including actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The benefits of the shave biopsy technique is that it minimizes the risk of scarring.  On the other hand, the limitations of shave biopsies are that they do not provide information on the depth or extent of the skin cancer.  In addition, shave biopsies are not used for melanoma diagnosis because the depth of the lesion cannot be identified with the shave.

DIAGNOSING SKIN CANCERS WITH PARTIAL OR COMPLETE EXCISION

There are many reasons to undergo a partial or complete skin excision to diagnose a skin cancer. In the simple case of a suspicious pigmented mole, Dr. Karamanoukian will recommend an excisional biopsy that will remove the entire skin lesion in one piece.  The decision to perform an excision is based on the fact that the depth of the skin cancer is very important in determining a proper postoperative course of treatment.  Superficial melanomas are essentially cured with a skin excision, whereas deeper melanomas may require additional surveillance and treatment.

In terms of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, a decision may be made to treat the entire skin cancer in one procedure wherein the entire skin cancer and a margin of normal tissue is removed in one piece.  If done with adequate margins, no further treatment is necessary. The specimen is sent to the pathology laboratory and a confirmatory diagnosis and clearance is obtained.  In more sensitive anatomic areas, a decision may be made to perform a partial skin excision in order to obtain a tissue diagnosis and plan a more definitive treatment modality. 

Skin cancer is becoming increasingly common among younger age groups and is no longer restricted to the senior population.  In Southern California, particularly in beach communities such as Santa Monica ad Malibu, there is a definite increase in skin cancers as compared to colder climates.  Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a graduate of the UCLA School of Medicine and is specifically trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of skin cancers. His plastic surgery training combined with his knowledge of skin cancer diagnosis makes him an ideal expert in the management of skin cancers.  If you are in the Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, or Los Angeles areas, Dr. Karamanoukian can provide you with expert consultation and management of the skin moles or lesions. 

Diagnosis of skin cancers usually involves the three main categories of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.  Dr. Karamanoukian can discuss your skin cancer diagnosis with a dermatopathologist who can analyze the specimen under microscope and advise on margins of skin cancer treatment. Abbreviations used for common skin cancers are as follows: scca for squamous cell carcinoma; bcca for basal cell carcinoma; AK for actinic keratosis (a precancerous spot); and rarely mx for melanoma.  

SCAR REVISION AFTER SKIN CANCER BIOPSY OR SURGERY:

Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian performs skin cancer surgery and also performs consultation for patients who have previously undergone treatment for skin cancers.  These treatments include cryotherapy, biopsy, or surgical removal of moles and skin cancers. 

Often, Dr. Karamanoukian is asked to evaluate a scar from a skin cancer or mole removal, biopsy, or trauma.  These scars can be noticeable and can become thickened, discolored, or whitened.  In some cases, the scars can be painful, thickened, or tender to touch.  In all cases, Dr. Karamanoukian can provide a wealth of knowledge in scar revision and scar management.  Dr. Karamanoukian has reviewed and has experience in the newest laser and non-surgical treatments for scar revision.  One of the most popular scar treatments in his Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offices is laser scar revision, in which the scar is improved by laser therapy.