Skin cancer surgery is an effective treatment for many types of skin cancer. The type of surgery recommended depends on the type of skin cancer, the size and the location of the skin cancer. We use two different approaches in our office when it comes to treating skin cancer surgically.
Excision: The entire skin cancer is removed along with a margin of healthy skin. This is often used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The area is then repaired with sutures.
Mohs surgery: This is a specialized technique for removing certain types of skin cancer in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important (like the face, hands, or feet). The surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until all the cancerous cells are gone. Once the cancer is completely removed, the area is repaired with sutures.
The choice of surgery depends on many factors including the type and stage of cancer and its location. It’s important to discuss your options with one of our board certified dermatologists to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.