Surgical Dermatology

SHAVE BIOPSY	A shave biopsy is a diagnostic test where a thin piece of skin is removed from the surface using a sharp blade. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.
PUNCH BIOPSY	A punch biopsy is a diagnostic test where a small, tube-shaped piece of skin and some other tissue underneath are removed using a sharp cutting tool. It can be done anywhere on the body. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.
CRYOSURGERY	Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen or argon gas to destroy cancer cells and abnormal tissue. It is a local treatment, which means that it is directed toward a specific part of your body.
ELECTRODESICCATION AND CURETTAGE (ED&C)	Scraping or burning-off skin growths can be used for less serious skin cancers, pre-cancers and benign growths. A local anesthetic is injected, and then the abnormal tissue is scraped off with a special tool. The area is then cauterized until bleeding stops. This may be repeated if the growth is cancerous. The wound will need to be dressed until it heals, and it usually leaves a small white mark.
Wide Local Excision (WLE)	In wide-local excision, the skin cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue around it is cut out, usually in a football-shaped ellipse. Once the tissue has been removed, the edges of the wound are sutured together. The tissue then is sent for processing and margin evaluation by a pathologist
MOHS	Mohs surgery is considered the most effective technique for treating many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. Sometimes called Mohs micrographic surgery, the procedure is done in stages, including lab work, while the patient waits. This allows the removal of all cancerous cells for the highest cure rate while sparing healthy tissue and leaving the smallest possible scar.