Procedures
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.
Book a ConsultationAt a glance
Procedure Time
30 mins
Procedure Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic
Procedure Downtime
2 weeks
Procedure Results
Removal of cancerous cells
Procedure
Frequently asked questions
Am I suitable for skin cancer surgery?
Skin cancer surgery can be performed incases where cancerous or precancerous cells are detected. A surgical procedure may be required if cancer is suspected, and sending the abnormal lesion way for testing will establish if skin cancer has actually formed.
Is this procedure safe?
Miss Breahna is the leading consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Chester Cosmetic Surgery and always performs her procedures with precision and care. The surgery is safe and every step will be taken to ensure your well-being.
Will this procedure hurt?
Skin cancer surgery that means making an incision in the skin will undoubtedly cause some pain and discomfort. A local anaesthetic will help to ensure you don’t feel a thing while the procedure is being carried out, and pain relief in the days that follow will help you to feel more comfortable.
Are there any side effects or risks?
Aside from initial swelling and bruising at the site of treatment, there is a small chance of developing an infection. A small scar may be left behind and regular check-ups will be needed to find out if the cancer has spread. It’s important to understand that having skin cancer surgery to remove one lesion will not guarantee it will not develop in another place in the future.
When will I see the results?The removal of the lesion provides instant results following surgery. However, you may need to wait a few days for the results of histopathological testing, which may determine the need for an on-going treatment plan.
The removal of the lesion provides instant results following surgery. However, you may need to wait a few days for the results of histopathological testing, which may determine the need for an on-going treatment plan.
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