Surgical Treatment of Skin Cancer
Surgical removal of skin cancer is a time honored, very common and reliable mode of therapy. For most basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), simple excision with 2-3 mm margins and primary closure is appropriate. Larger lesions may require more complex excisions and perhaps use of flaps of nearby skin or grafts from another area to repair the defect. Occasionally MOHS micrographic surgery is needed for recurrent, invasive, or otherwise difficult tumors.
Another common treatment for basal cell carcinoma is curettage and desiccation (or scraping and burning). While it sounds inelegant, it is a very reliable treatment and, in some parts of the body, gives the best cosmetic result.
Cryosurgery, or freezing with liquid nitrogen, is an established and acceptable way to treat superficial BCC.
In short, there are several surgical options to deal with BCC and SCC. The size, shape, and location of the tumor, along with the patient’s general condition, dictate the ideal procedure.
Please call or contact us for an appointment to meet with our expert, Dr. Susan Elliott.
Skin Cancer Treatments:
