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Skin Cancer Overview & Types
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year. When detected early, most skin cancers can be effectively treated with surgery. Our Phoenix-area surgeons specialize in removing cancerous growths while preserving your appearance and minimizing recovery time.
We treat all types of skin cancer, including:
Melanoma
The most serious form of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. Melanoma surgery requires particular expertise to ensure complete removal while preserving surrounding tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common type of skin cancer, often appearing as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type of skin cancer, usually appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion.
Other rare skin cancers
Including Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and other uncommon but serious skin malignancies.
Our Surgical Approach
At Arizona Premier Surgery, our highly skilled surgeons perform surgical excisions to remove cancerous and precancerous skin growths with precision and care:
Surgical Excision
Our surgeons carefully remove the cancerous growth along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is sent to our partnering pathology lab for further assessment to ensure all cancer cells have been removed. This approach is effective for both small and large skin cancers.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Most skin cancer surgeries can be considered minimally invasive. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, your surgeon will use either local anesthesia to numb the area or general anesthesia for your comfort during the procedure.
Closure Techniques
For minor excisions, the area will be carefully sutured closed. For deeper or larger excisions, a skin graft or flap may be required to successfully close the area, ensuring the surface appears as normal and even as possible while minimizing scarring.
Collaborative Care
We work together with your dermatologist or oncologist to ensure the best possible outcome, both in terms of successful removal and minimizing scarring. This team approach ensures comprehensive care throughout your treatment journey.
The process starts with a private consultation with your Arizona Premier Surgery physician who will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.
Our Award-Winning Surgeons
Our board-certified surgeons have a role to play in providing the best skin cancer removal in Arizona, including Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe. Each surgeon brings specialized expertise in both removing cancerous tissue and achieving excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Albert Amini, MD MBA
Dr. Albert Amini is a board-certified General Surgeon with specialty training in pancreas & GI oncology with advanced robotic and laparoscopic methods.
Philip Pepple, MD
Dr. Philip Pepple is a board-certified General Surgeon with experience in some of the most complex surgeries. He trains in Transplant Surgery and Pancreas and Hepatobiliary Surgery.
Starr Eads, MD
Dr. Starr Eads is a board-certified General Surgeon specializing in minimally-invasive surgery for gallbladder, hernias, & gastrointestinal disorders.
Aryan Modasi, MD
Dr. Aryan Modasi is a board-certified General Surgeon with subspecialty expertise in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.
Successful Surgeries
Robotic Surgeries
Liver Resections
Whipple Procedures
Robotic Whipple and Pancreas Resections
Over 200 Five-Star Reviews!
Had robotic bilateral hernia repair surgery performed by Dr Aryan Modasi. He is a most skilled surgeon who...
Great encounters The clarity of his explanations put me at ease, after seeing many that don't seem to care.
Each person was engaging, responsive and caring at each conversation and appointment. Thank you Modasi team!
Dr Eads is very patient and kind. She is very communicative and understanding. I had multiple incisions and...
Dr. Eads took good care of me on critical emergency room visit and follow up. Not only in my opinion, but...
Extremely professional! Welcoming staff put us at ease immediately. Throughly explained the situation and...
If you’ve noticed any concerning changes in your skin or have been diagnosed with skin cancer by a dermatologist, contact Arizona Premier Surgery today. Our team will help diagnose the precise nature of your condition and work with you to determine the best surgical approach for your specific case.
Who Needs Skin Cancer Surgery
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, making it the most common form of cancer. Anyone diagnosed with skin cancer should consider surgical removal, as it remains the most effective treatment option with the highest cure rates.
Early warning signs that may indicate the need for evaluation include:
A new growth on the skin
A spot that is changing in size, shape, or color
A sore that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
A mole that has irregular borders, multiple colors, or is larger than a pencil eraser
Any spot on your skin that is unusual or concerning
Risk factors for skin cancer include:
Fair skin and light hair
History of sunburns or tanning bed use
Personal or family history of skin cancer
Multiple or unusual moles
Weakened immune system
Exposure to radiation or certain chemicals
What to Expect from the Best Skin Cancer Removal in Arizona
Before Surgery
- Initial consultation to examine the affected area and review your medical history
- Coordination with your dermatologist or oncologist if you’ve already been diagnosed
- Pre-operative instructions regarding medications, eating, and drinking
- Discussion of anesthesia options (most skin cancer surgeries require only local anesthesia)
Recovery
- Most patients return home the same day
- Minimal discomfort that can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication
- Detailed wound care instructions to optimize healing and minimize scarring
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and review pathology results
- Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, with full healing within 2-4 weeks
During Surgery
- The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the size and location of the cancer
- Local anesthesia ensures you remain comfortable throughout
- Our surgeons remove the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue
- For larger removals, reconstructive techniques may be employed during the same procedure
- All removed tissue is sent to pathology for evaluation
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Benefits of Choosing Arizona Premier Surgery
- Experienced surgeons with specialized training in skin cancer removal
- Minimally invasive techniques to minimize scarring
- Comprehensive care coordinated with dermatologists and oncologists
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities across the Phoenix metro area
- Personalized care plans tailored to your specific diagnosis and needs
Skin Cancer Surgery FAQs
How do I know if I need skin cancer surgery?
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer through a biopsy, surgical removal is typically recommended. The specific approach will depend on the type, size, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health and cosmetic considerations. Our surgeons will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Will I have a scar after skin cancer surgery?
All surgical procedures leave some form of scar, but our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize scarring. The appearance of your scar will depend on the size and location of the cancer, your skin type, and your body’s natural healing process. We provide comprehensive scar care instructions to optimize your cosmetic outcome.
How long is the recovery period after skin cancer surgery?
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the extent and location of the surgery. Complete healing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your individual case.
Will my insurance cover skin cancer surgery?
Most insurance plans cover medically necessary skin cancer surgery. Our office staff will work with you to verify your coverage and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs before your procedure.
How successful is skin cancer surgery?
Surgical removal remains the most effective treatment for most skin cancers, with cure rates of 95% or higher when detected early. Our comprehensive approach, which includes pathological examination of removed tissue, helps ensure the highest possible success rates.
What happens if my skin cancer returns?
Follow-up appointments are an essential part of your care plan. If there is any recurrence, we can promptly address it with additional treatment. Maintaining regular skin checks with your dermatologist is also important for early detection of any new or recurrent skin cancers.
Locations
Arizona Premier Surgery provides expert skin cancer surgery in multiple locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, including: Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe.
Our state-of-the-art surgical facilities are equipped with the latest technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for each of our skin cancer patients.
Arizona Premier Surgery - Chandler
Suite 120
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-587-6520
Arizona Premier Surgery - Scottsdale
Suite 280
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-587-6520
Arizona Premier Surgery - Phoenix
Suite 407
Phoenix, AZ 85027
480-587-6520
Don’t delay treatment for skin cancer.
Early intervention leads to better outcomes and less invasive procedures. Contact Arizona Premier Surgery today to schedule your consultation with one of our expert surgeons and take the first step toward recovery.