At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, we place a strong emphasis on the safe and precise removal of skin cancers. When cancerous lesions are identified, removal is often the most effective way to confirm a diagnosis, achieve clear margins, and prevent progression. Our skilled providers perform these procedures with careful attention to both medical outcomes and cosmetic considerations, prioritizing your safety and long-term skin health.
Treatment Overview
Discomfort: Moderate — local anesthesia is used to ensure the procedure is tolerable.
Recovery Time: Typically 2 weeks or longer, depending on the method used and lesion size.
Insurance Coverage: Often covered, though separate billing may apply for pathology review.
Benefits
Skin cancer removal is both therapeutic and preventive. Benefits include:
- Preventing progression or spread of cancer
- Eliminating a potentially life-threatening condition
- Allowing pathology confirmation for accurate diagnosis
- Tailoring the approach to suit each patient’s needs and lesion type
Types of Skin Cancer Removal
Different methods may be recommended depending on the type, size, and depth of the cancer:
- Shave Excision – A superficial removal using a small blade, often for smaller cancers.
- Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C) – A combination of scraping and cauterizing, commonly used for superficial basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas.
- Elliptical Excision – Removal with an elliptical-shaped incision, providing clean closure with minimal skin tension.
- Wide Local Excision – Removal of the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete clearance.
What to Expect
Results & Next Steps
Pathology results are generally available within 1–2 weeks and will be communicated to you promptly. Based on the findings, additional procedures or treatments may be recommended. Ongoing skin checks and follow-ups are essential to reduce the risk of recurrence and to monitor for new lesions.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Skin cancer removal may be recommended for:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
Frequently Asked Questions
All surgical procedures carry the possibility of scarring. Our providers use precise techniques to minimize this risk and provide scar care recommendations. Following aftercare instructions also plays a major role in optimal healing.
It depends on the type of procedure. Shave excisions and ED&C typically do not require sutures, while elliptical and wide local excisions usually do.