Which Skin Cancers May Require Excision?
Surgical excision may be used to treat a range of skin cancers and suspicious lesions, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Selected melanomas
- Other confirmed skin cancers
- Certain suspected skin cancers
Not every skin cancer requires the same treatment. Your doctor will assess the lesion and consider its characteristics before recommending the most appropriate management approach.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Skin cancer excision is generally performed using a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. Your doctor removes the skin cancer together with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue, based on the clinical circumstances and type of lesion.
Once the lesion has been removed, the wound may be closed directly using sutures. Depending on the size and location of the area being treated, another method of wound closure or reconstruction may be required.
The removed tissue is sent for histopathological examination. The pathology report can help confirm the diagnosis and, where appropriate, assess whether the margins are clear of cancerous cells.
What Happens After Excision?
After the procedure, your doctor will provide instructions for caring for the wound. This may include advice on keeping the area clean, managing the dressing, and protecting the site while it heals.
If sutures have been used, you will be advised when they should be removed or reviewed. Follow-up appointments may also be recommended to discuss the pathology results and check the treated area.
If the pathology report indicates that further treatment is required, your doctor can explain the findings and discuss the appropriate next steps.
If you experience concerns with the wound during recovery, contact your medical team for advice.
Why Is Follow-Up Important?
Having one skin cancer can increase the likelihood of developing additional skin cancers in the future. For this reason, ongoing professional skin checks can remain important after an excision.
Regular examinations can help identify new or changing lesions, while becoming familiar with your own skin can help you notice changes between appointments. Sun protection is also an important part of reducing unnecessary UV exposure.
Your doctor can recommend an appropriate follow-up schedule based on your individual circumstances and skin cancer history.
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Care
Skin cancer treatment does not necessarily end when a lesion has been removed. Ongoing monitoring and appropriate follow-up can help support continued skin health.
At Penrith Skin Cancer Clinic, our doctors can assess concerning lesions, perform skin cancer excisions where clinically appropriate, and provide guidance on follow-up and ongoing skin surveillance.