Most readers likely know that, if they’re having skin problems, they need to ask for a referral to a qualified dermatologist. What they might not realize is that there are certain conditions that will require skin surgery in Lehigh Valley PA, and not all dermatologists perform these procedures. Read on to find out about a few of the most common conditions that require surgical correction below to find out whether it’s worth the time to look into dermatologists to provide surgical care.
Skin Cancer
Different cancers affect different areas of the body, but skin cancers are the only types that are treated by dermatologists. When mutated skin cells begin to rear their ugly heads, they can wind up developing into malignant tumors without adequate care. Thankfully, most types of skin cancer can be surgically removed without the need for further treatment. Skin cancers range in severity, but in all cases, it’s best to catch them early before they begin to spread to other areas of the body.
Bothersome Cysts
While cysts are benign, they can be quite irritating or even painful. Removing them is simple and can often be accomplished with only local anesthesia. A dermatologist will simply numb the area and use a scalpel to remove the affected area, after which the patient will be able to return to normal daily activities almost immediately.
Wart Removal
Warts are benign growths caused by viral infections in the top layers of a patient’s skin. Although warts don’t pose a danger to patients’ overall health, they can be quite annoying and are contagious, which means they can spread across the body and to other people. There are several non-surgical methods for removing warts, but if these do not prove effective, a dermatologist may recommend cutting the wart out using a procedure known as electrodesiccation and curettage.
Lipoma Removal
Lipomas can only be removed via excision. This minimally invasive form of Skin Surgery in Lehigh Valley PA usually requires only local anesthesia, though patients with larger lipomas may need regional or general anesthesia. Readers can learn more about skin surgery online or contact Kirit Kothari MD today to learn about their options.
