Skin Cancer Surgery
Surgery is usually the best treatment for skin cancer. Learn more about our processes and approach to dealing with skin cancer.
Understanding skin cancer surgery
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and early detection and treatment are crucial for successfully removing it.
There are three primary types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. The latter is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, either occurring as a new dark spot or developing from existing moles.
Things to consider beforehand
Early detection
Early detection is key and acting quickly is essential. If you are concerned about any abnormal growths or new growth on your skin, identifying them early will significantly improve your treatment options. Early-stage skin cancer is typically easier to treat and has a higher success rate.
Guidance
Skin cancer surgery can be a daunting procedure to face. We do all we can to support you throughout the process, explaining the type of cancer you may have, how best to deal with it and how we plan to move forward.
In the initial consultation, we will examine:
- The affected area
- Your medical history and any previous skin conditions
- Any questions and address any concerns you may have
Types of surgery to remove skin cancer
The type of skin cancer treatment you may need will depend on several factors, such as the type of cancer, its current stage, and its location on the body. Here are some of the most common surgeries we employ to remove skin cancer:
Excisional biopsy
An excisional biopsy is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat skin cancer. It involves the surgical removal of the entire suspicious area of skin, including some surrounding healthy tissue. This method ensures that the lesion is fully examined and, if cancerous, entirely removed.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a procedure used to treat very early stages of skin cancer by freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen. This method involves applying extreme cold directly to the lesion using a spray device, causing the abnormal cells to freeze and subsequently die. Cryosurgery is particularly effective for superficial skin cancers, such as the superficial type of basal cell carcinoma and early-stage squamous cell carcinoma (Bowen's disease).
Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma at high risk sites (e.g. the nose and around the eyes). It involves removing the visible portion of the cancerous lesion layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope in real-time until no cancer cells remain. This method ensures that all cancerous tissue is removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Whilst we do not carry out Mohs surgery, we will advise you if we think this is the best option, organise a small diagnostic biopsy and refer you to a colleague for this procedure.
Curettage and Cautery
Curettage and cautery are common procedures used to treat certain types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It involves scraping away the cancerous lesion using a curette, a sharp ringed instrument, followed by the application of heat from an electrical device called a hyfrecator to the scraped area. The cautery to the base of the lesion destroys any remaining cancer cells and helps control bleeding. The process may be repeated several times to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed.
Other ways to remove skin cancer
There are other ways aside from surgery to combat skin cancer. However, these are generally reserved for cases where surgery is not possible or no longer the best option.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment used to target and destroy skin cancer cells by directing high-energy radiation beams at the affected area. The radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, inhibiting their ability to grow and divide, ultimately leading to cell death.
This method is often employed for skin cancers that are difficult to treat surgically or for patients who are not candidates for surgery. The treatment typically involves multiple sessions over a couple of weeks, with each session lasting only a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Some discomfort may be experienced post-surgery, which can be managed with simple pain relief.
Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery and individual healing rates. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week, but full healing may take a few weeks.
All wounds will leave a small surgical scar, but our dermatologists employ techniques to minimise scarring. Scar appearance also depends on individual skin types and the size and location of the operation. A key factor in scar formation is how you look after the wound and avoid any exercise or lifting that places tension on the wound.
Skin cancer surgery is highly effective, especially when the cancer is detected early. Success rates are high, but regular follow-ups may be required for the more serious types to monitor for any recurrence.
You can book an appointment by calling us directly on 01273 077222 or using the booking button on this page.