Why Dermatologists Perform Skin Cancer Excision

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and early treatment plays an important role in preventing it from spreading or causing additional damage. When a skin cancer is confirmed or strongly suspected, surgical excision is often one of the most effective treatment options. At Sunwest Dermatology in Prescott, AZ, Richard A. Cirelli, MD, FAAD, performs skin cancer excision to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Skin cancer excision is a surgical procedure used to remove cancerous skin lesions along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue. Removing this additional tissue helps reduce the chance that cancer cells remain after surgery.

Excision is commonly recommended for many types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain cases of melanoma. The size, location, and type of skin cancer help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Not every skin lesion requires surgery, but excision is often recommended when a biopsy confirms skin cancer or when a suspicious growth has characteristics that suggest malignancy. Early treatment may help prevent the cancer from growing deeper into the skin or spreading to surrounding tissues.

A dermatologist carefully evaluates each lesion before recommending treatment based on its appearance, biopsy results, location, and the patient's overall health.

Skin cancer excision is typically performed in the office using local anesthesia to keep the treatment area comfortable. After the skin is numbed, Dr. Cirelli carefully removes the cancerous lesion along with a small margin of healthy tissue. The area is then closed with stitches when appropriate.

The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory to confirm that the cancer has been completely removed. Patients receive detailed wound care instructions to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Most patients recover well following skin cancer excision. Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising is common during the first few days, and most normal activities can be resumed according to your dermatologist's recommendations.

Follow-up appointments allow healing to be monitored and ensure that the surgical site is recovering properly. Depending on the type of skin cancer, ongoing skin examinations may also be recommended to monitor for future skin changes.

Treating skin cancer early often allows for simpler procedures and improves long-term outcomes. Regular skin examinations and prompt evaluation of changing moles, non-healing sores, or new skin growths help identify skin cancer before it becomes more advanced.

Protecting your skin with sunscreen, protective clothing, and routine dermatology visits also plays an important role in reducing future risk.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have a concerning skin lesion that requires evaluation, professional dermatologic care can help determine the most appropriate treatment. Richard A. Cirelli, MD, FAAD, provides skin cancer excision and comprehensive dermatology care at Sunwest Dermatology in Prescott, AZ. To schedule an appointment, call (928) 445-7546 today.