Skin cancer is on the increase, and as with so many cancers, early diagnosis and rapid action can make a huge difference to the treatment you need as well as your long-term prognosis. At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, any lesions thought to be cancerous can usually be removed within days after diagnosis, and sometimes even on the same day. Non-urgent moles and lesions can be removed at a time to suit you. We send all moles to highly trained pathologists for expert full histological examination; and Dr. Coville will always make sure he personally informs you of the results as soon as he receives them.
To Dr. Coville, this is a vital service that he offers his patients, and he does not believe in extensive wait times for appointments, treatments, or diagnosis of these lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment could make the difference between life and death in some circumstances. Even if your skin condition is found to be harmless, at least you have the peace of mind of knowing there is nothing to worry about.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US. Each year more than 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are found in the United States. The most serious of all skin cancers, melanoma, will account for almost 70,000 cases of skin cancer each year. Nearly half of all cancers in the U.S. will be skin cancers.
Non-melanoma Skin cancer (Basal Cell and Squamous Cell carcinomas)
Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanomas, which develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma is the easiest to treat as it does not spread or metastasize. Nevertheless, it can become very invasive and destructive locally. This can be devastating if it presents itself on a cosmetically vital area such as the nose or ear. Therefore, it is always better to treat basal cell carcinomas when they are small so that any treatment will not be disfiguring. Signs include a flat, scaly, and crusty red spot or a small smooth bump on the skin. There may be itching and bleeding.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a bit more serious as it can spread to other parts of the body, though they are usually slow to do so. Signs include a firm red lump or a flat, scaly, and crusted scab-like area on your skin.
Both Basal cell and Squamous cell cancers are highly likely to be cured if detected and treated early.
Melanoma
Melanoma on the other hand, is the most serious type because it can spread to other parts of the body. The other thing that sets melanoma apart from the other types is that it can appear almost anywhere on the body. It does not have to show up only in sun-exposed areas. However, it usually does emerge on the back, legs, arms, and face. The first signs are the appearance of a new mole or the change in appearance of an existing one. They tend to have an irregular shape, consist of more than one color, and are larger than a pencil eraser. Sometimes they may itch or bleed.
Melanoma is almost always curable when it is detected in its early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers and causes most skin cancer deaths.
If you notice any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, please contact us at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery in New Jersey immediately to book an appointment with Dr. Coville as soon as possible.
Anyone concerned about the appearance of new moles, flat or scaly patches, firm, red lumps or smooth bumps on their skin should schedule a consultation with Dr. Coville as soon as they can. Leaving suspect irregularities on the skin could mean a cancerous lesion has time to do its worst. At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery, we understand this is a scary time, so we’re prepared to answer all your questions quickly and thoroughly, and we will be with you every step of the way.
The severity and type of your skin cancer will determine the type of treatment necessary. In a lot of cases, simply removing the suspicious irregularities is enough to fully treat the lesions, and this only requires small incisions that can be closed with a suture or two. You’re usually free to resume your regular activities with a simple bandage to protect the healing wound.
For more complex cases, Dr. Coville will discuss all your treatment options with meticulous and understandable detail so you’re as prepared as you can be without becoming overwhelmed.
Dr. Fred Coville has lived and practiced plastic surgery, dermatology, and general medicine around the globe. He has been fortunate enough to live in some of the most beautiful and exotic tropical settings and has enjoyed the privilege of taking care of skin disorders and cancers in persons of all skin types from the four corners of the world. Most notably, Dr. Coville’s years at the exclusive Bougainvillea Clinic in the British Virgin Islands brought travelers, sailors, celebrities, and local patients to him from a variety of nationalities and ethnicities for diagnosis and treatment.
Many of these patients had sustained years of intense sun-exposure from their time in the tropics. Over the years, his experience in treating skin and its problems has earned him the respect of surgical and dermatologic colleagues internationally. His expertise is uniquely broad and gives Dr. Coville an exceptional perspective in treating skin problems, as well as in maximizing beauty through skin rejuvenation. For these reasons, Dr. Coville has become a widely sought-after speaker around the world.
Dr. Coville has a particular interest in skin and brings this exceptional experience to each and every patient he sees at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine in Linwood or Toms River, NJ. As a patient, you will benefit from this outstanding opportunity to have any areas of concern examined and treated by Dr. Coville.
Your recovery is determined by the type of skin cancer you’re having treated. Often, if excision is possible, you’ll be back to your regular routine quickly with a couple of stitches and a bandage.
The more complex your diagnosis, however, the more extensive recovery you could be facing. Dr. Coville is available to make sure any questions you have get answered in a timely fashion and you’re prepared for the journey on which you’ve embarked. At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Atlantic County, we walk this road with you, so you’re never left to navigate your diagnosis alone.
Most skin cancers can be removed with little disruption. The more often you apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors, the fewer your chances of developing new skin cancer lesions. As for more serious diagnoses, Dr. Coville will discuss your expected prognosis based on your unique case details.
Written By: Dr. Frederick Coville
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director
Frederick A. Coville, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery’s Owner and Medical Director, has been an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon for over 25 years. He firmly believes each of us possesses an inner “Foundational Beauty.”
As a student of beauty all his life, he calls upon his naturally artistic eye and God-given talents as a surgeon to deliver the results you demand. Dr. Fred likes to say, “It’s my job to help you find Your Beautiful!”
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Dr. Fred Coville, is a renowned Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon. He proudly extends his services to Toms River, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Ocean County, South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Dr. Coville is a trusted professional delivering personalized and natural-looking results. His expertise caters to clients in locations such as Atlantic City, Trenton, Toms River, Vineland, Bridgeton, Hammonton, Cape May, and Cherry Hill.
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