Skin Cancer

Skin cancer has become an alarming epidemic. The three most common forms of skin cancer; melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are all increasing. Fortunately the latter two forms are rarely fatal and awareness has increased for all types leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, use of sunscreen and avoidance of prolonged sun exposure through education is increasing and will hopefully decrease the incidence of these malignancies in the future.

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Dr. Buckingham is an expert in treatment of these cancers usually teaming up with a Mohs surgeon for the excision and then Dr. Buckingham performs the reconstruction the same day. Dr. Buckingham believes strongly in reconstruction with "like" tissue and uses the latest local and regional tissue flap techniques to restore soft tissue defects as closely as possible to their pre-injury cosmetic and functional state.

Additionally, Dr. Buckingham coordinates the care of melanoma patients and works closely with surgical and medical oncologists to perform the latest in sentinel lymph node mapping and adjuvant treatment modalities.

To determine if a patient is a good candidate for this procedure, Dr. Buckingham recommends a private patient consultation.

Dr. Buckingham feels that successful facial plastic surgery results from the development and maintenance of good rapport between the patient, the surgeon, and his staff during the consultation and future appointments. The consultation will include a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to bring about the desired results and all questions relating to the patient’s specific concerns will be addressed.

Prospective patients are encouraged to call the office to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.

Skin Cancer Q&A

Find answers to Skin Cancer questions in Dr. Buckingham's Q&A.

Frequently Asked Skin Cancer Questions

Q - What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a type of cancer primarily caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun. It primarily appears on the face, head and neck. As the most common form of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer has in recent years become an alarming epidemic. The three most common types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Q - What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer. It most often occurs on the face, lips and ears though it can spread to other sites including the lymph nodes and internal organs. Melanoma can prove life threatening if left untreated. Moles that change in size, color or shape, as well as new skin growths, may be a sign of melanoma.

Q - What is basal cell carcinoma?
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can appear in many forms. It is the least dangerous type of skin cancer as it is slow growing and rarely spreads.

Q - What is squamous cell carcinoma?
The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma commonly occurs on the face, ears and lips. It can sometimes spread to other sites like the lymph nodes and internal organs. Left untreated, this type of cancer can prove life threatening. As with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can appear in many forms