Undergoing surgery for skin cancer removal is easier if you understand the procedure ahead of time. Depending on the type of skin cancer and its location, your medical team may recommend different surgical techniques. Here is what you can expect during skin cancer surgery procedures:
Application of Anesthesia
Before the procedure begins, the surgical area will be numbed to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Most skin cancer removal surgeries are performed using local anesthesia, which numbs only the specific part of your body undergoing treatment. This method allows you to remain awake during the procedure while ensuring you don’t feel any pain.
For more complex cases or surgeries involving larger areas of tissue, sedation or even general anesthesia might be administered. Your doctor will discuss the anesthesia options with you during the planning stage to determine what works best for your case. The procedure will begin once the area is fully numbed or you are sedated.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is a common method of skin cancer surgery used to remove cancerous skin tissue. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the affected area of skin along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. The goal of this step is to eliminate as much of the cancerous cells as possible, ensuring that no affected tissue remains.
After removing the tissue, the surgeon may send it to a laboratory for testing. This assessment helps confirm whether the margins are clear of any cancerous cells. If necessary, further removal may occur to ensure a more complete outcome. Incisions are closed either with sutures (stitches) or, in specific cases, using skin grafts to repair the treated area.
Mohs Surgery
For certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique that offers precise results. This process involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time while examining each layer under a microscope. The surgeon continues this process until no cancerous cells are detected, which spares as much healthy tissue as possible.
Patients undergoing Mohs surgery should expect the procedure to take a few hours, as the tissue assessment happens. This meticulous approach is particularly beneficial in areas where preserving healthy skin, such as the face, is a priority.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation
Another method used for skin cancer removal is curettage and electrodesiccation. This technique is generally recommended for small or superficial cancers, like certain basal cell carcinomas. Surgeons typically use a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette to scrape away the cancerous lesion during the procedure. Following this, an electrode is applied to the treated area to cauterize or “seal” the tissue, which helps prevent further bleeding and reduces the chance of recurrence.
Recovery Period
Recovery periods vary depending on the surgical method used, the size of the treated area, and other individual factors. After the procedure, it is common to experience minor swelling, redness, or tenderness around the treated site. Your doctor may provide instructions on how to care for the wound, including how to clean it and whether to apply any ointments or bandages.
Explore Skin Cancer Surgery Options
Skin cancer removal surgery plays a key role in addressing cancerous lesions while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. You can approach your treatment with greater confidence by understanding what the procedure entails. If you have questions or concerns about your specific case, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for guidance.
