Short Wait Times for Skin Lesion Evaluations and Biopsies

Timely, expert evaluation and diagnosis of suspicious skin lesions are essential to ensure the best possible patient outcomes,
especially for people with skin cancer. Melanomas are much less common than basal or squamous cell carcinomas, but they are more invasive and may be deadly if not treated early.

Three physicians and two physician assistants see individuals with suspicious lesions at two LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery clinics.

“We see patients at the Health & Wellness Center at Cedar Crest in Allentown, and we recently expanded to offer skin evaluation and biopsy services at the Health Center at Palmer Township in Easton,” says plastic and reconstructive surgeon Randolph Wojcik, MD, Chief, Division of Plastic Surgery, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence.

“The additional office in Easton makes it much easier for patients living east of Allentown or from New Jersey to see us closer to home.”

People with concerning skin lesions are seen quickly at LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Skin Lesion and Biopsy Program.

Patients often indicate they’ve been waiting six to nine months to see a dermatologist, but the Skin Lesion and Biopsy Program is usually able to schedule patients within a week or two of receiving a referral from their primary care physicians. “Our trained physician assistants or one of our physicians perform biopsies as required to establish diagnoses according to standard protocols," Dr. Wojcik says. "If we determine patients have skin conditions that require treatment by a dermatologist, such as Mohs surgery for small basal or squamous cell carcinomas, internal referrals to our dermatologists are fairly quick.”

For lesions that require reconstruction after excision, LVPG plastic and reconstructive surgeons work closely with other specialists, including Mohs surgeons, surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists, to create an individualized treatment strategy for each person.

“Melanomas are more likely to become invasive and typically require wider resection margins and larger reconstructions,” Dr. Wojcik says. “Our patients benefit from having a plastic and reconstructive expert on their care team since we have specialized training in planning and performing aesthetic surgery that minimizes scarring and disfigurement after resection.

“We strive to evaluate and treat patients with concerning skin lesions as soon as possible for the best possible outcomes,” he adds. “Rates of melanoma are rising, especially in younger people. With evaluation and biopsy services now at two clinics, we are helping more patients obtain diagnoses and receive treatment on expedited timelines.”