Skin cancer excision is a minor surgery to remove cancerous cells from the skin. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), followed by squamous cell carcinoma. A more serious type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma, which may require referral to a multidisciplinary centre based on the biopsy results.

The procedure involves removing the abnormal appearing cancerous tissue, as well as a cuff of healthy tissue around the tumor to ensure that all cancer cells are removed and minimize the recurrence of the cancer. Cauterization of the tissue is also used to help minimize bleeding and bruising after the procedure.

This minor procedure is done with freezing under local anesthetic. An incision is made around the skin cancer with a cuff of healthy tissue based on cancer care guidelines and recommendations. Everything is sent to the lab to be tested to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the skin cancer is removed in its entirely. Stitches are then used to close the incision that is used to reconstruct the defect.

Patients can shower within 48 hours and the incision heals within 2 weeks. The resultant scar has significant improvement within 6 weeks and continues to improve up to a year after surgery with good sunscreen and scar cream.

It is important to note that every skin cancer excision procedure is different based on the type of skin cancer, location and size. Your experience may vary depending on the specifics of your situation. This will be discussed at the time of the consultation.