Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 500,000 new cases reported each year.
Anyone can contract skin cancer regardless of age, race, or skin type.
The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is emitted by the sun and also artificial sources such as sunlamps and tanning booths. 80% of skin cancer lesions appear on the face, head, or neck. Following the removal of a skin cancer lesion, reconstruction may be necessary to restore the normal contour of the skin or face.
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of a growth and having a pathologist examine it under a microscope. If the cancer is minor, Akron skin cancer excision and reconstruction surgeon Dr. Pedersen will perform local anesthesia. If the cancer is major or has spread to the lymph nodes, a more extensive surgery in the hospital may be required.
