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Surgery is the main treatment for skin cancer, including melanoma. The team of experienced general surgeons performs skin cancer and melanoma surgery at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, and Corona, California. From biopsy to excision, the specialists provide expert, compassionate, and patient-centered care for skin cancer. Call the office most convenient to you today or book your skin cancer and melanoma surgery consultation online.
What is the difference between skin cancer and melanoma?
Skin cancer is an overgrowth of abnormal skin cells. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in your skin. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer.
Other types of skin cancer include:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC forms from the basal cells in the lower part of the epidermis. BCC is a slow-growing, common skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC develops from the squamous cells found on the outermost part of your epidermis. Like BCC, SCC is common and slow-growing.
Early diagnosis and proactive treatments are essential for preventing skin cancer from spreading. Removal of the cancerous lesion is the primary treatment.
When do I need skin cancer and melanoma surgery?
The surgeons at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates perform skin cancer and melanoma surgery and biopsies.
You need skin cancer and melanoma surgery if you have a proven biopsy.
If your lesion is small, your provider may remove all the cancerous tissue during the biopsy. However, you may need surgery if you have a larger lesion, a lesion on an area that is difficult to heal or a more invasivea melanoma.
The surgeons may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy if there’s concern that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). During this procedure, they remove one or more lymph nodes closest to the lesion and send it to the pathology lab for testing.
Call Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today or click the online booking button to discuss your skin cancer and melanoma surgery options.