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Skin Cancer Excisions

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  7. Skin Cancer Excisions

Skin cancers include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Depending on the extent of the cancer, your surgeon may choose to excise it (cut it out).

How is Skin Cancer Excision Performed?

Skin cancer excisions are routinely performed under a local anaesthetic. If the cancer is extensive, your surgeon may choose to remove it under general anaesthetic.

  • Excision involves completely cutting out the cancer along with a margin of healthy skin around it.
  • The wound is sutured Extensive wounds may require a skin graft.
  • The cancerous tissue is sent to pathology for examination.
  • The remaining tissue surrounding the cancer site may need to be examined for cancer cells. If the margin is not adequate, the surgeon will need to take a wider margin.

What to Expect After Skin Cancer Excision?

  • After the surgery, you may need to avoid immersing the wound in water.
  • Avoid strenuous activity while the wound heals.
  • Avoid activities that may stretch or tear the wound.
  • You may have sutures that need removal 7 – 10 days after surgery.
  • Your surgery may result in some scarring.

Possible Complications

The risks associated with skin cancer excision are low but include:

  • Pain at the wound site.
  • Infection including fever and discharge from the wound.
  • Wound opening.
  • Bleeding and bruising.
  • Recurrence of the cancer at the site.