Skin cancer surgery removes cancerous cells from the skin. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, a surgeon may recommend excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, or Mohs surgery, and recovery varies by procedure. Wound care and attendance at follow-up appointments are typically required, all of which help facilitate the recovery process. Here is more information on what surgery entails:
What Is Skin Cancer Surgery?
Skin cancer surgery is a medical procedure that removes cancerous cells from the skin. There are three primary types, each suited to different cases, and the right approach depends on the type of skin cancer, its size, and its location on the body.
- Excision: The surgeon cuts out the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin.
- Curettage and electrodesiccation: The surgeon scrapes away the cancerous tissue using a curette, then uses an electric current to destroy any remaining cells.
- Mohs surgery: Thin layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until no cancer cells remain.
Who Does It Help?
Patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, are candidates for surgery. Melanoma is the most aggressive form, and it may also be treated surgically, though additional therapies are sometimes required. A dermatologist will determine whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option by assessing factors such as the cancer’s stage and location, both of which play a central role in determining the most suitable course of management.
What Does the Surgery Entail?
Some skin cancer surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients remain awake while the area is numbed. The skin around the affected site is cleaned and sterilized before the procedure begins. Depending on the surgical method chosen, the procedure may take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, with Mohs surgery potentially requiring additional time because it involves a meticulous layer-by-layer tissue analysis.
Once the cancerous tissue is removed, the wound is surgically closed, or it may be left to heal naturally. The size and location of the removal area determine which wound closure approach the surgeon selects. Before leaving the clinic, patients receive detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from skin cancer surgery is generally straightforward; patients may report that pain is mild and manageable with over-the-counter medications. Swelling sometimes occurs. Redness and bruising around the surgical site are also common in the first few days following the procedure, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Keeping the wound clean and dry is a standard part of aftercare. Surgeons may recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity for a couple of weeks; this reduces the risk of reopening the wound. If sutures were used, they may be removed within one to two weeks, although the timeline depends on the incision site.
Follow-up appointments are beneficial. They allow the surgeon to monitor healing and check for any signs of recurrence, which is a key step in long-term care. Scarring is a possibility, but its extent varies by procedure and the patient’s skin type. Mohs surgery may result in smaller scars given its tissue-preserving approach.
Know What To Expect
Skin cancer surgery is an effective treatment for removing cancerous skin tissue. Whether you’re facing excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, or Mohs surgery, each procedure follows a clear process with defined recovery steps. Preparation can make a difference; discuss your specific diagnosis with a dermatologist to learn which procedure fits your situation. If you have skin cancer, schedule a consultation today.
