Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer can come in different forms and if its removal is possible, it may require its own treatment technique. This will be determined by the shape and size of the lesion, and where on the body it has appeared. Removing an abnormal lesion will help to determine if the skin cells are cancerous, as well as helping to stop the cancer from spreading. 

A surgical excision is most commonly used to remove skin cancer, including: malignant melanoma, basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer (pigmented skin lesions). This form of removal often requires an elliptical incision where a cut is made around the outside of the lesion in the shape of an ellipse. This technique ensures a certain amount of skin and tissue that surround the lesion (as well as the lesion itself) can be taken away for testing. Closing the wound may require external and internal sutures, and the scar is likely to be a neat, straight line.

When curettage is used the protruding lesion is effectively ‘shaved’ from the surface. A hot needle will then need to be inserted to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. Other methods, including cryotherapy and skin cancer creams and gels can also be used to attack cancer cells and destroy the lesion.

Addressing skin cancer often requires on-going treatment that involves regular check-ups and monitoring of the condition. Chester Cosmetic Surgery will carry out a thorough assessment if skin cancer is suspected, and will devise a suitable treatment plan accordingly.