What Is Skin Cancer Surgery?
Skin cancer surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures used to remove cancerous or precancerous skin growths. The goal is to eliminate cancer cells, minimize the risk of recurrence, and preserve healthy tissue and appearance. Surgery is often used for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other skin cancers when detected early or when lesions are high‑risk.
Why Surgery Is Performed
Surgery is recommended when skin cancer is confirmed or strongly suspected based on biopsy, imaging, or clinical findings. Your surgeon will choose the most appropriate technique based on the type, size, depth, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health and cosmetic considerations. Early surgical removal offers the best chance for cure and limits the chance of spread.
Types of Skin Cancer Surgery
Excisional Surgery
Excisional surgery involves removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue around it. This technique is commonly used for many types of skin cancer and provides tissue for pathology to confirm complete removal of cancer cells.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique often used for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially on the face, ears, or other sensitive areas. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope until clear margins are achieved. This maximizes cancer removal while sparing healthy tissue.
Curettage and Electrodessication
This method involves scraping away superficial cancers with a curette followed by controlled cautery (electrodessication) to destroy residual cancer cells. It’s frequently used for small, low‑risk basal and squamous cell cancers.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (for Melanoma)
For melanoma — a more aggressive skin cancer — a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed at the time of tumor removal to check for early spread to lymph nodes. This helps guide staging and treatment decisions.
What to Expect During Surgery
Most skin cancer surgeries are performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. You will be awake but the area will be numb. For extensive lesions or when combined with other procedures, sedation or general anesthesia may be used. Your surgeon will explain the expected approach and whether reconstruction is needed at the time of excision.
Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Removal
Depending on the size and location of the defect after tumor removal, reconstructive techniques may be used to restore form and function. These can include direct closure, skin flaps, or skin grafts. The reconstructive plan is individualized to achieve the best cosmetic and functional outcome.
Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery, you’ll be given instructions for wound care, pain control, and activity restrictions. Most people experience mild discomfort, swelling, or redness around the surgical site that resolves over time. Keeping the area clean and following your surgeon’s guidance helps ensure optimal healing. Follow‑up visits are important to monitor healing and check for any signs of recurrence.
Benefits of Skin Cancer Surgery
- Removal of cancerous tissue with clear margins
- Reduced risk of cancer recurrence or progression
- Preserved appearance and function, especially with Mohs or reconstructive techniques
- Ability to tailor treatment based on pathology results
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, skin cancer surgery carries some risks including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation, and, rarely, wound healing problems. Risk is influenced by the size and location of the lesion, your overall health, and whether reconstruction is needed. Your surgeon will explain risks specific to your case and how they plan to minimize them.
