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Skin cancer information and locations in Mexico
Skin cancer begins when the cells in the epidermis start to grow uncontrollably, primarily in areas more exposed to UV rays, such as the face, lips, hands, arms, and legs. Although not all skin cancers manifest in the same way, the most common symptoms include changes in the skin or moles, sores that do not heal, or red, scaly nodules.
Treatment for skin cancer varies depending on the size, depth, and type of cancer. Wide local excision treats most skin cancers. Surgical oncologists use local anesthesia to numb the area and remove the skin cancer along with surrounding healthy tissue. Sutures are used to close the wound, and larger wounds may require a skin graft. To complement the treatment, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy may also be recommended.
Many international patients choose Mexico for skin cancer evaluation and treatment due to its combination of experienced oncologists, modern medical facilities, and timely access to care. Board-certified oncologists can assess suspicious skin lesions, recommend appropriate diagnostic testing, including biopsies when necessary, and develop a personalized treatment plan. For patients traveling from abroad, online consultations may be available to discuss symptoms, review medical records, and coordinate care before arriving in Mexico.
Many international patients choose Mexico for skin cancer evaluation and treatment due to its combination of experienced oncologists, modern medical facilities, and timely access to care. Board-certified oncologists can assess suspicious skin lesions, recommend appropriate diagnostic testing, including biopsies when necessary, and develop a personalized treatment plan. For patients traveling from abroad, online consultations may be available to discuss symptoms, review medical records, and coordinate care before arriving in Mexico.
Types of skin cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the basal cells of the epidermis and is usually caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It often appears as a shiny bump, a pink patch, or a sore that does not heal. Although it rarely spreads to other parts of the body, early treatment is important to prevent damage to surrounding tissues.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells that make up the outer layers of the skin. It commonly appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands. Symptoms may include a scaly red patch, an open sore, or a firm growth that may crust or bleed. When detected early, treatment is highly effective, but advanced cases can spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects melanocytes, causing them to grow uncontrollably. These are the cells responsible for providing melanin (pigment) to the skin.
A sign to look out for is the appearance of new or changed moles and spots on your skin, which can be checked using the ‘ABCDE’ rule. Melanoma can also show up inside the body, causing dark spots in places like the nose, mouth, vagina, esophagus (the lining inside your body), and even under your nails.
Get wide local excision with the best oncologists in Mexico!
Benefits
A fast procedure
Minimal scarring
Short recovery times
Reduces the risk of recurrence
Minimal scarring
Short recovery times
Reduces the risk of recurrence
Down time
2 hrs.
Skin cancer
Procedure:
1 hr.
Hospital stay: 2 - 4 hrs.
Cleared to fly: 2 days
Hospital stay: 2 - 4 hrs.
Cleared to fly: 2 days
After surgery
Out-of-town patients’ do not require a follow-up. Patients are clear for flying after 2 days from skin cancer surgery.
Note: Follow-ups can be arranged as face-to-face or virtually. If needed, you can go to your primary care physician to remove sutures or get medication adjustments.
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Locations
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Chihuahua, Chih.
Dr. Carlos M. Núñez
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Skin cancer frequent questions
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions and what to expect after the surgery.
Am I a candidate for wide local excision?
To recommend the appropriate form of treatment, the specialist will do a general examination to learn about your medical history and determine the size and depth of cancer.
How do I prepare for a wide local excision?
Your doctor will ask you to avoid alcohol for 3 days before surgery and to avoid using make-up or perfume on the day of the procedure.
Why does the surrounding skin need to be removed?
Skin cancer has a chance of developing microscopic roots that surround the original growth, there’s also a chance of some cancerous cells separating and creating a “seed” that could lead to further complications; by removing the surrounding skin, surgeons decrease the possibility of cancer coming back into the area.
How is the incision closed?
This depends on the size and depth of cancer, for most wounds, stitches are used. Smaller incisions can heal by themselves, while bigger ones might need the use of skin grafts to properly heal.
Can I have an online consultation for skin cancer?
Yes. An online consultation can be used to discuss your concerns, review available test results, and evaluate photographs of suspicious skin lesions. However, because skin cancer often requires a physical examination and laboratory analysis of a biopsy sample, a definitive diagnosis typically cannot be made remotely.
Are all moles likely to become cancerous?
Most normal moles (even-colored, symmetrical, and smaller than 6 mm) don’t turn into melanoma. But it’s good to keep an eye out for any changes. The ‘ABCDE’ rule can help you spot signs that a mole might be at risk.
Asymmetry: Irregular shapes.
Border: Uneven or jagged edges.
Color: Inconsistent color or more than one shade.
Diameter: Shouldn’t be larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch wide)
Evolution: Changes in shape, size, color, or any other unusual change.
Asymmetry: Irregular shapes.
Border: Uneven or jagged edges.
Color: Inconsistent color or more than one shade.
Diameter: Shouldn’t be larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch wide)
Evolution: Changes in shape, size, color, or any other unusual change.
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Disclaimer: This information does not reflect the medical advice from our clinics. All cases are different and this treatment may not suit you. Always refer to a medical professional with the certification and experience. All of our physicians are fully qualified to perform these procedures. For more information and diagnosis contact one of our top specialized clinics.
In all medical procedures, there are chances of complications, the specialist will provide you detailed information about the risks of the procedure, talk to the specialist directly.
In all medical procedures, there are chances of complications, the specialist will provide you detailed information about the risks of the procedure, talk to the specialist directly.
