Cancer treatment
Skin Cancer Surgery
Skin cancer surgery removes a skin cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue to make sure it is completely taken away.
Quick answer
Skin Cancer Surgery: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Skin cancer surgery cuts out the cancer with a border of normal skin. For certain cancers in delicate areas, Mohs surgery removes the cancer layer by layer, checking each under the microscope to spare healthy tissue.
- Why it is done: It is used to treat skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, aiming to remove the cancer completely and reduce the chance of it returning.
- What happens: Usually under local anaesthetic, the cancer and a margin are removed and the wound closed with stitches, a graft or a flap.
What it is
Skin cancer surgery cuts out the cancer with a border of normal skin. For certain cancers in delicate areas, Mohs surgery removes the cancer layer by layer, checking each under the microscope to spare healthy tissue.
Why it is done
It is used to treat skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, aiming to remove the cancer completely and reduce the chance of it returning.
What happens
Usually under local anaesthetic, the cancer and a margin are removed and the wound closed with stitches, a graft or a flap. Mohs surgery is done in stages in one visit, checking margins as it goes.
Recovery
The wound heals over one to a few weeks depending on size and closure. Results confirming complete removal follow from the laboratory, and ongoing skin checks are usually advised.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include scarring, infection, bleeding and the cancer occasionally needing further removal if the margins are not clear. Sun protection and monitoring help prevent new skin cancers.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Skin Cancer Surgery: frequently asked questions
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery removes a skin cancer in thin layers, examining each under the microscope until no cancer cells remain. It spares healthy tissue and is often used for cancers on the face or in tricky areas.
Will I need more treatment after the cancer is removed?
If the margins are clear, surgery alone may be enough. Sometimes more tissue must be removed, or other treatments are advised, especially for melanoma or higher-risk cancers.
Related
Other cancer treatment
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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