Skin Cancer Treatments

Surgical removal

Surgical removal is the most common and reliable treatment for many skin cancers. In a standard excision, the cancer and a small margin of surrounding normal skin are removed during a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. The tissue is then sent to a laboratory to confirm that the edges are free of cancer cells. If the margins are clear, no further treatment is typically necessary. Most patients tolerate the procedure well, and recovery generally involves mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising for several days.

Mohs micrographic surgery

For cancers located in cosmetically sensitive or high-visibility areas such as the face, ears, nose, or hands, or for tumors with less clearly defined borders, Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended. This technique removes the cancer in thin layers, with each layer examined under a microscope immediately after removal. The process continues until no cancer cells remain. Because this method evaluates 100 percent of the surgical margins during the procedure, it offers very high cure rates while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue. This precision is particularly valuable when tissue conservation is important for both function and appearance.

Curettage and electrodessication

Certain small and shallow skin cancers can be treated with curettage and electrodessication. During this procedure, the visible tumor is carefully scraped away using a specialized instrument, and the base of the area is treated with controlled electrical energy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This approach is performed in the office and does not require stitches, although it is not appropriate for deeper or more aggressive tumors. When carefully selected, however, it can be an efficient and effective option.

• Cryotherapy involves freezing abnormal tissue with liquid nitrogen.This method is more commonly used for precancerous changes (actinic keratoses). The treated area typically forms a blister, crusts over, and gradually heals as the damaged tissue sheds.
• For certain early and superficial skin cancers, prescription topical medications may be appropriate. These creams are applied directly to the affected area over a period of several weeks and work by stimulating the body’s immune response or directly targeting abnormal cells. Because this treatment does not remove tissue immediately, close follow-up is necessary to ensure that the cancer has responded completely. Topical therapy is not suitable for cancers that extend deeper into the skin.

If a skin cancer has grown more deeply or shows signs of spreading beyond the original site, additional evaluation may be required. This evaluation can include imaging studies or assessment of nearby lymph nodes. In these situations, treatment may involve a combination of surgery and systemic therapies. Systemic treatments, such as immunotherapy or targeted medications, work throughout the body to address cancer cells and are typically coordinated with oncology specialists when needed.

After removal of skin cancer, careful attention is given to wound repair and cosmetic outcome. Smaller wounds may be closed with simple stitches, while larger areas may require more advanced techniques such as skin flaps or grafts to achieve optimal healing. Reconstruction is often planned at the same time as cancer removal to ensure both complete treatment and the best possible aesthetic result.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed, but most treatments are completed in the office with local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the first several days and gradually improve. Detailed wound care instructions are provided to support proper healing and reduce the risk of infection or noticeable scarring. Follow-up visits allow for monitoring of healing and confirmation that the treatment has been successful.

Long-term monitoring is an essential part of care because individuals who have had one skin cancer are at increased risk of developing another. Regular full-body skin examinations help identify new or recurrent lesions at an early stage, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are more favorable. Patients are also encouraged to monitor their own skin and seek evaluation for any new, changing, or non-healing spots.