Skin cancer removal

With over twenty years of experience, Dr. Steven Shoen has acquired expertise in the management of all types of skin tumors, including Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Melanoma . Dr Shoen will often perform both tumor removal and reconstruction.

What is the Frozen Section Technique and Mohs Technique used in tumor removal?

Dr Shoen often employs the Frozen Section Technique when removing Basal Cell Carcinomas or Squamous Cell Carcinomas.  Like the Mohs Technique, Frozen Sectioning allows for assessment of the edges of a specimen to help determine that a tumor has been completely removed.  While no procedure provides a 100% guarantee that a tumor has been removed, the Frozen Section Technique and the Mohs Technique are state of the art methods for assessing tumor eradication.

Dr Shoen works closely with many Mohs Dermatologists who perform the Mohs Technique for tumor removal.  Following tumor removal Dr. Shoen performs reconstruction of the resulting defect.

How does Dr. Shoen handle Melanomas?

Melanomas are among the most aggressive forms of skin cancer.  Dr. Shoen is an active part of the Melanoma Team at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, where he performs reconstruction following Melanoma removal.    The team consists of two Melanoma surgeons, Melanoma Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists and Plastic Surgeons. The team meets weekly to discuss patient progress.  Patients diagnosed with Melanoma are followed closely by the Melanoma team for several years following tumor removal. 

What types of reconstructive procedures are performed after tumor removal?

Flap procedures transfer tissue from a neighboring or even distant site to a defect.  Skin Grafting entails the transfer of skin from one area of the body to another.  When reconstructing the nose or ear it is sometimes necessary to use grafts of cartilage harvested from an ear, the nasal septum, or even a rib.  Click "Nasal Reconstruction" to view photograghs of nasal reconstruction following tumor removal.  Click "Ear Reconstruction" to view photograghs of ear reconstruction.   

If you are concerned about a skin growth, or have been diagnosed with a skin malignancy schedule an appointment at one of our two office locations.  Dr. Shoen will explain your treatment options.  You will have the comfort of knowing that your skin cancer surgeon is an expert in managing all phases of skin cancer treatment, from tumor removal to reconstruction.