The Skin Cancer Center
The Skin Cancer Center at
Harbor Plastic Surgery Center
11511 Canterwood Blvd NW, Suite 310
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Directions
253.858.5040
Fax: 253.320.2133
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 8am – 4pm
Occasional Monday clinics
A HUGE Congratulations to Dr. Piasecki! He is the only doctor in the world who is TRIPLE BOARD CERTIFIED in Mohs Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery!
Skin Cancer
Statistics show more than two million people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and 20% of all Americans will develop a skin cancer in their lifetime. Both alarming figures that have been on a steady climb and expected to continue to increase.
The only definitive way to diagnose skin cancer is with a biopsy. While we do not offer overall skin checks (we recommend a dermatologist or primary care physician for those), if you have a spot that looks suspicious and would like a plastic surgeon to biopsy it, call us. We will get you in as quickly as possible.
The Skin Cancer Center utilizes the Mayo Clinic model of treatment in which a cohesive network of medical specialists provides comprehensive skin cancer care. Patients have access to a team of specialists that can determine a personalized, case-specific plan of treatment including:
- Liquid Nitrogen – Topical application used to destroy to a non-melanoma lesion and its immediate surrounding tissue.
- ED&C (electrodessication and curettage) – Skin cancer cells are scraped away using a curette instrument then treated with an electrode current while electric current to destroy any remaining skin cancer cells.
- Simple Excision – Removal of a skin cancer and its surrounding margin then closed with stitches. Larger incisions may require a skin graft, flap, or reconstructive surgery.
- Radiation Therapy – High-energy rays used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. The beam of electrons is focused from outside the body onto the tumor directly.
- Mohs Surgery – Micrographically controlled surgery providing precise removal of cancerous tissue, sparing surrounding healthy tissue for maximum functional and cosmetic results. Excised tissue is examined immediately until adequate uninvolved margins have been achieved.
- Plastic Micrographic Surgery – A proprietary procedure pioneered by Dr. Justin Piasecki in which the same surgeon, trained in Mohs surgery and board certified in facial plastic surgery and plastic surgery, removes the cancer with Mohs surgery, then reconstructs using both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery techniques. For patients who require reconstruction after Mohs surgery, this is the most convenient and cost effective method.
- Lymph Node Dissection – Nodes located in the region of the primary melanoma are removed then viewed under a microscope for signs of cancer.
The extensive network of providers at The Skin Cancer Center include:
- Puget Sound Institute of Pathology
- Tacoma Radiation Oncology
- Franciscan Surgical Associates
- Harbor Plastic Surgery Center
About our Center and its Founder
The Skin Cancer Center is conveniently located in the quaint Tacoma suburb of Gig Harbor, an hour from Seattle and 45 minutes from Sea-Tac Airport. Map and Directions.
Patients come to our center from all over the world for our innovative, comprehensive skin cancer treatment approach. Our patient concierge services can help you with anything from planning your visit to our maritime community to transportation and home care following surgery.
Housed within Harbor Plastic Surgery Center adjacent to St. Anthony Hospital, The Skin Cancer Center has a Medicare-certified ambulatory surgery center, which allows patients to have reconstructive surgery following their Mohs surgery (cancer excision) on the same day in the same outpatient setting.
The Skin Cancer Center was founded by Dr. Justin Piasecki, world-renowned surgeon Triple-Board certified by the American Board of Dermatology (Surgical Subspecialty), American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, who has dedicated his professional life to improving the care of skin cancer patients. With these certifications, he removes skin cancer and reconstructs defects.
Mohs micrographic surgery was developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Frederick Mohs and is revered as the most precise and effective technique for removing Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mohs surgery provides a 99.25% cure rate as cancerous cells are completely removed leaving behind the smallest possible wound and maximum amount of healthy tissue. Dr. Piasecki’s specialized Mohs training and two plastic surgery certifications led him to develop Plastic Micrographic Surgery, combining both methods for the most effective and cosmetically pleasing treatment of skin cancer available.
Dr. Piasecki’s passion for the prevention of skin cancer led him to develop a non-profit line of beneficial skin care products. Proceeds are donated to organizations that provide opportunities for children in the areas of education, health and wellness.
