Cancer surgery in Brooklyn, NY

Many skin conditions are unsightly, uncomfortable, or painful. However, none are as serious as skin cancer, which can pose a threat to your life. At Khrom Dermatology in Brooklyn, NY we understand the fear, the stress, and vital need for quality care.

You can feel confident knowing that you are in kind and competent hands with Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli. They are a talented dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, and they are trained in the Mohs surgery technique. They are also loved by our patients for her compassionate and understanding style of care. When a skin cancer screening turns into a diagnosis, they can provide the care patients need. This includes biopsies, treatment, and prevention education. The entire team at Khrom Dermatology is pleased to provide skin cancer treatments, including Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli.

Understanding skin cancer

Skin cancer begins with damaged DNA in skin cells, usually as a result of UV exposure via sunlight or tanning beds. This damage triggers mutations, leading to uncontrolled rapid formation of abnormal cells in the skin – a condition known as a malignant tumor. There are various types of cancer that can develop on the skin, and some, such as melanoma, are more serious than others. As with any cancer, patients need to take their diagnosis seriously and choose the type of skin cancer removal treatment that is best for their specific needs. Not every type of skin cancer is managed in the same way, and removal will often depend on specifics involved in the patient’s unique case.

The effectiveness of skin cancer removal surgery depends on several factors.

• Type – Some forms of skin cancer are more aggressive, and more likely to spread beyond the initial tumor (metastasize). The most serious form of cancer is melanoma, which is known for spreading rapidly and causing more concerning complications.
• Stage– Most cancers can be treated successfully in the very early stages. The more time a tumor has to grow and spread, the more challenging treatment becomes. Early diagnosis is one of the most crucial factors in a successful surgical outcome, which is why Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli encourage patients to visit their dermatologist each year for an annual screening. The success of treatment is often related to how early the cancer is detected by a dermatologist and action is taken.
• Surgical technique – There are several methods of removing skin cancers, with varying success rates. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the most effective, with the highest cure rate. Choosing a surgical technique for the removal of your skin cancer will be based on the type of cancer and the location. Mohs micrographic surgery is extremely popular because it reduces the likelihood of recurrence and can leave less scarring than the alternatives.

Treatment options

• Mohs – the tumor is removed layer by layer, guided by laboratory tissue analysis, and can provide complete removal of the skin cancer that is present. This method is one of the best for cancers that have recurred and for patients who have cancer in a highly visible area of the body, such as the face, to ensure less scarring following the procedure.

While the first two methods are widely available, there is a very limited number of dermatologists trained and skilled in the highly complex Mohs technique, which has the best cure rate and aesthetic outcomes. Patients in and near Brooklyn, NY are fortunate to have access to this advanced skin cancer treatment right here at Khrom Dermatology. Dr. Tatiana Khrom is a fellowship-trained dermatologist, with years of experience successfully performing Mohs surgery.

Skin cancer surgery wound care and recovery

The team at Khrom Dermatology and Aesthetics, including Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli, encourages patients to take great care in handling their wound after their surgical procedure. The wound may be open or skin grafted, or in the case of Mohs micrographic surgery, it may be stitched up if there has been a larger area treated. Aftercare instructions given by the dermatologist should be followed closely to avoid the wound opening back up and bleeding and to reduce to chance of infection.

Which surgery for skin cancer should be performed for cancer on the face?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most highly recommended treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with skin cancer lesions on the facial area. This is because the treatment reduces the amount of healthy skin removed and ensures that all the cancer is taken out thanks to the highly precise technique. This treatment also leaves minimal scarring, if any, which can be crucial to one’s self-confidence.

How is the Mohs surgery performed?

Patients who are advised that Mohs micrographic surgery is the best option for them often have questions about how the procedure is performed and how long the treatment can take. The larger the size of cancer and the treatment area, the longer the procedure can take. Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli will schedule a single appointment for the entire procedure. Skin cancer is removed by taking thin layers of skin from the area and evaluating them to find the borders of the cancerous cells. Layer by layer, the skin is removed to ensure even the deepest of cancers are fully eliminated. Then the area is stitched, and patients will leave the office with aftercare instructions for reducing the risk of infection and scarring. The process can help patients feel at ease knowing that their cancer is fully removed.

What are ways to reduce the chance of developing skin cancer?

There are many steps that patients can take in their daily lives to reduce their chances of developing skin cancer in the first place. These tips are also critical for patients who have had a previous diagnosis and want to protect their skin from recurrence. Follow these skin cancer prevention tips to reduce your chances of problems now and in the future:

What to expect during skin cancer screenings

Every year, patients should visit Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli for a skin cancer screening. This is the time when our dermatologist will check the skin from head to toe for skin concerns indicative of developing cancer. Patients should note any concerns on the skin before they arrive for their appointment so they can point these issues out to their dermatologist. Make note of any new moles or skin growths, any moles that have changed over time, or any areas where a skin growth may itch or bleed. These should be brought to the attention of the dermatologist during the screening.

A screening is a full body evaluation. Patients will remove all their clothing and wear a medical gown. The dermatologist will ask if there are any specific areas of concern before beginning the full screening. Every inch of the body will be evaluated, all the way from the scalp to the soles of the feet. During this time, the dermatologist is looking for any skin growth, moles, or wounds that may show signs of cancer, including changes to the border of the moles, the color of the skin growths, and the size and symmetry of these areas. If something is suspicious, Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli will take a sample called a biopsy to have it checked for cancerous cells. A pathologist will evaluate the sample to determine if skin cancer exists. A proper diagnosis can be made in this way, and patients can work with their dermatologist to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The earlier skin cancer is found, the more successful treatment can be.

Take time to learn more about your options for treatment when skin cancer has been diagnosed.

Dr. Tatiana Khrom, and Physician Assistant Nana Kanzaveli of Khrom Dermatology and Aesthetics are here to help patients with their skin and body needs with three convenient locations in the area of Brooklyn. We want to ensure patients have access to the services they need to look and feel their best. Call us at 718-615-4000 for a consultation and start taking charge of your skin’s health and wellness!