Skin Cancer Removal and Treatment Options

Hearing the words “skin cancer” can be frightening. The good news is that when skin cancer is found early, treatment is often highly effective. Depending on the type, size, and location of the cancer, your dermatologist may recommend several different approaches to skin cancer removal. Understanding your options can help you feel more prepared and confident about your care.

Why Skin Cancer Removal Matters and Why Timing Is Everything

Treating skin cancer as early as possible can help prevent it from growing deeper into the skin or spreading to other parts of the body. Early treatment also may allow for less extensive procedures and better cosmetic results.

See a dermatologist if you notice a spot that:

• Changes in size, shape, or color
• Bleeds or crusts over
• Doesn’t heal within several weeks
• Looks different from your other moles

These changes don’t always mean skin cancer, but they’re worth having checked by a board-certified dermatologist.

Types of Skin Cancer Treatment Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skin cancer treatment. Your dermatologist will recommend the option that’s best for you. Common treatments include:

Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is a specialized technique that removes skin cancer one layer at a time. Each layer is examined under a microscope during the procedure until no cancer cells remain. Because it removes as little healthy tissue as possible, Mohs surgery is often recommended for basal cell carcinoma treatment and squamous cell carcinoma.

Excision Surgery

Excision is one of the most common forms of skin cancer surgery. During this procedure, your dermatologist removes the cancer along with a small amount of healthy skin to help ensure all cancer cells are gone. The tissue is then sent to a laboratory for evaluation. Surgery for skin cancer removal using excision is often recommended for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and some melanomas.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery for skin cancer, uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal cells. It’s most often used for precancerous lesions and some very early or superficial skin cancers.

Mole Removal and Biopsy

Before recommending treatment, your dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy by removing part or all of a suspicious mole or lesion. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine whether there are cancer cells. If skin cancer is diagnosed, your dermatologist will review your results and recommend a treatment path.

What to Expect During and After Skin Cancer Surgery

Most skin cancer removal procedures are performed in the office using local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but comfortable during treatment. Recovery looks a little different for everyone and depends on the type of procedure. Most people can return to many of their normal activities within a day or two.

After surgery, your dermatologist will provide instructions that may include:

• Keeping the area clean and dry
• Changing bandages as directed
• Limiting strenuous activity while the area heals
• Watching for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage
• Returning for follow-up visits, if needed

Protecting your skin from the sun after treatment is also important. Daily sunscreen use and routine skin checks can help reduce your risk of future skin cancers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment

Many people have questions before starting treatment. Here are answers to two of the most common.

What is Mohs surgery and when is it used?

Mohs surgery is a procedure that removes skin cancer layer by layer while each layer is examined under a microscope. It’s used for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy skin is especially important or when the cancer has a higher risk of returning.

Can skin cancer be life-threatening if left untreated?

Some skin cancers grow slowly, while others can spread if they’re left untreated. Melanoma, in particular, can become life-threatening if it’s not detected early. That’s why any noticeable skin changes should be evaluated by a skin cancer doctor.

Advanced Skin Cancer Removal Starts with Our Specialists at AAD Dermatology

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with skin cancer or want a suspicious spot checked out, the board-certified dermatologists at Anne Arundel Dermatology are here to help. From skin biopsies to Mohs surgery and other proven skin cancer treatments, we’ll recommend a personalized approach based on your diagnosis and goals. Schedule your consultation online to get expert care close to home.

Key Takeaways

• Early skin cancer removal can lead to simpler treatment and better outcomes.
• The best skin cancer treatment depends on the type, size, location, and depth of the cancer.
• Common treatment options include Mohs surgery, excision surgery, cryotherapy, and skin biopsy.
• Most skin cancer surgery is performed in the office using local anesthesia.
• Regular skin checks and prompt evaluation of suspicious spots can help detect skin cancer early.