Aesthetic dermato-surgery

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

• What is basal-cell carcinoma?    
  Basal-cell carcinoma(BCC) is the most common human cancer. Its high incidence and close link with sun exposure makes it a major public health issue.
  BCC appears as a distinctive skin lesion: a pearl-like bump several millimetres in size. Small blood vessels usually run through these firm, painless and translucent lesions, making them red.
  Located on the face, head and neck in 2 out of 3 cases, BCC is a slow-growing tumour with only occasional risk of metastasizing (1 in 10,000 cases). Nevertheless, it can have serious consequences when left untreated, spreading to the dermis and then the underlying bone, cartilage and nerve tissue.
• When should you consult a doctor?
  As soon as you have a lesion in the form of a spot or mole that itches, bleeds, becomes bigger and/or does not go away on its own, you must consult a specialist at the Swiss Centre for Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine.
• How is basal-cell carcinoma treated?
  A medical approach is tried first. This can take the form of curettage, electrodessication, cryotherapy (cold treatment), CO₂ laser treatment, or – especially for superficial forms – prescribing creams.
  If this treatment fails, i.e. if BCC is at an advanced stage or when it is on visible areas such as the eyes, mouth, nose, ears, hands, and sensitive areas such as the genitalia, surgical treatment is recommended to remove it completely.
• What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
  We use this technique at the Swiss Centre for Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine since it is the fastest and most effective one available!
  Wealways analyse the lesion under a microscope – while it is being excised –after going down to be level with the lesion.
  This is Mohs micrographic surgery, which is less destructive since the excision margins are minimal.
  Once instantaneous histological analysis under the microscope has confirmed healthy excision margins, we can be certain that the entire tumour has been removed with minimum margins.
  Repair work can therefore be carried out at the same time, just after excision, ensuring an aesthetic, functional finish.
  Instead of waiting 1-2 hours or even several days (depending on the method) for the analysis results, we can carry out the excision, analysis and reconstruction work in less than an hour.