Skin Cancer Treatment Overview

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 106,110 new cases of invasive melanoma (the deadliest type of skin cancer) diagnosed in 2021 alone. Additionally, non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are even more common, with an estimated 5.4 million cases diagnosed each year in the United States.

The main risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Other risk factors include having fair skin, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, and a family history of skin cancer.

The skin cancer excision procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and your plastic surgeon will use a scalpel or other surgical instrument to remove the lesion and surrounding tissue. The size of the margin of healthy tissue that is removed depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the location of the lesion. The excised tissue is then sent to a laboratory for pathological analysis to evaluate the cells and confirm that all the cancerous tissue has been removed.

After the excision, we may close the wound with sutures, staples, or skin glue, depending on the size and location of the incision. In some cases, a skin graft or flap may be necessary to close the wound.

Recovery time depends on the size and location of the excision, as well as the individual’s overall health. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, but it may take several weeks for the wound to fully heal.

It is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, including keeping the wound clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. Regular follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon or dermatologist are also necessary to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Overall, skin cancer excision is an effective treatment for many types of skin cancer, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal risk of complications. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with a qualified healthcare provider and to have any suspicious skin lesions evaluated promptly.

Mohs Reconstruction

Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical technique used to remove skin cancer by excising the tumor and and surrounding tissue one layer at a time until all cancer cells are removed. After the cancerous cells are removed, the resulting wound or defect may be significant, and our plastic surgeons are often called to repair the wound and restore the function and appearance of the affected area.

Melanoma Excision

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the pigment that gives color to the skin. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the back, legs, arms, and face.

The good news is that if melanoma is detected early, it is often treatable and curable. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cancerous tissue, which is called a melanoma excision.

Melanoma excision involves removing the tumor and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all of the cancerous cells have been removed. The size of the excision depends on the size and depth of the tumor, as well as the location of the lesion. The excised tissue is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to confirm that all cancerous cells have been removed.

In some cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed at the time of the melanoma excision. This involves removing one or more lymph nodes near the site of the tumor to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

After the excision, the wound is usually closed with sutures. If the excision is particularly large, skin grafting or flap surgery may be necessary to conceal the defect and reduce scarring.

Recovery time depends on the size and location of the excision, as well as the individual’s overall health. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, but it may take several weeks for the wound to fully heal.

Overall, melanoma excision is an effective treatment for early-stage melanoma, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal risk of complications. We perform melanoma excisions on an outpatient basis at our ambulatory surgery center or clinic procedure rooms in Flagstaff, AZ.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.