Skin Cancer Removal by Surgical Excision
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? Over a million new cases are diagnosed each year. Ongoing exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of developing skin cancer and precancerous growths, making early detection and appropriate treatment especially important.
Surgical skin cancer removal is commonly used to treat many types of skin cancer, helping remove affected tissue and support healthy healing. When skin changes are identified early, treatment can often be more straightforward and effective.
If you have a spot that has changed, doesn’t heal, or feels concerning, a professional evaluation can help determine the next appropriate step.
Types of Skin Cancer Commonly Treated with Surgical Excision
Also called “malignant melanoma,” this skin cancer which originates from the pigment cells in the skin is easily treated when it is caught early but can be deadly when diagnosis and treatment has been delayed. If you have many moles or a family history of melanoma, these cancers can be caught early by regular skin checks by your dermatologist, as well as monthly self-examinations at home
A great way to do a basic at home skin check is to use the ABCDE criteria. The following criteria is found on skincancer.org.
Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other.
Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
Color: Varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometime white, red or blue.
Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that look different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
We are experts in the management of melanoma, including surgical removal and wound reconstruction. Most melanomas can be removed via a surgical excision.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans and is caused by lifelong sun-exposure, fair skin, and hereditary disposition. While rarely life-threatening, if untreated these tumors continue to grow larger and deeper, and can eventually invade into important structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and even bone.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer. It arises from the squamous cells which form most of the top layer of the skin. Like basal cell carcinoma, it is most commonly found in sun-exposed sites, but can arise in any location of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma has a low risk of spreading to other areas of the body, however certain cases have a slightly higher risk. The treatment is similar to the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Most Squamous Cell Carcinomas may be removed via a surgical excision.
When Mohs Surgery May Be Recommended
In certain situations, a more specialized surgical approach may be recommended based on the type of skin cancer, its location, and individual risk factors. Mohs surgery is a precise technique that allows for the careful removal of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This approach is often considered for skin cancers in sensitive or highly visible areas, for recurrent tumors, or when achieving clear margins is especially important. During your consultation, your dermatologist will determine whether surgical excision or Mohs surgery is the most appropriate option for your specific case.