Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Fortunately, with early detection, skin cancer removal is a relatively straightforward process. Dr. Keith Llewellyn offers skin cancer removal for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California.
Skin cancer removal includes a range of techniques that are used to safely and effectively remove cancerous cells from your skin. The treatment is recommended to prevent the cancer from spreading to other tissues.
If you desire, cost can be discussed during your office visit. Cost will vary depending on what procedure is performed during your visit. If we are providers for your insurance, we can bill your insurance for most medical problems and surgical procedures. If you are self pay or we do not accept your insurance, we can provide you with a quote for an initial consultation office visit cost over the phone prior to your appointment. This quote, however, does not include any procedures that may be advised and performed during your visit. See our financial policy for additional information. Our payment options include cash and major credit cards. You can learn more on our financing page.
Biopsies: If a concerning lesion, atypical mole or skin cancer is found during your visit, a skin biopsy will be recommended to sample the lesion and confirm a diagnosis. The procedure takes only a few minutes. The area is anesthetized with a local injection of lidocaine and then a portion of the lesion is shaved off. The tissue is then sent to a lab for evaluation. Patients are notified of results within 10 days via a phone call or our secure Patient Portal.
Excisions: Excisions are frequently performed to remove biopsy-proven skin cancers and atypical moles. They are also performed to remove unwanted benign growths like lypomas and cysts. The time required to perform an excision varies depending on the lesion size and site, but typically takes between 10-30 minutes to perform. The area is anesthetized with a local injection of lidocaine. Most lesions are removed using an elliptical incision and then closed with stitches in a straight line. The tissue is then sent to a lab for evaluation. Patients are notified of results within 10 days via a phone call or our secure Patient Portal. Stitches are typically removed seven to ten days after the excision.
ED &C (Electrodessication and Curretage): This procedure may be used to treat some superficial basal cell carcinomas and, more rarely, squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The procedure only takes a few minutes. The area is anesthetized with a local injection of lidocaine and then the cancer is scraped off with a small round curette. The base is then cauterized and the scraping is repeated two more times. The area then heals like a scrape over the next seven to twenty one days. The cure rate for this procedure is somewhat lower than the cure rate obtained by excision and the area may take longer to heal than an excision. ED & C, however, is less invasive than an excision, takes less time to perform, and is not as expensive. No sutures are used and, hence, there are typically no restrictions to your activities post procedure.
Mohs Surgery: Please refer to the Mohs surgery page for information regarding this procedure.
Skin cancer is treatable, and the outcomes rely on early detection and the expertise of your dermatologist. Aloe Dermatology offers skin cancer removal for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.