Skin Cancer Excision

What this procedure is

Skin cancer excision is a common surgical treatment used to remove a suspicious growth or a confirmed skin cancer. During the procedure, a clinician numbs the area with a local anesthetic so you do not feel pain while they work. This allows you to stay awake and comfortable throughout the process.

The clinician uses a surgical tool to cut out the visible tumor along with a small border of healthy-looking skin. This border is called a margin. Removing this extra tissue helps ensure that any cancer cells not visible to the eye are also taken out. After the tissue is removed, the site is usually closed with stitches.

The removed sample is then sent to a lab. A specialist examines the tissue under a microscope to confirm that the edges are clear of cancer. This process helps your care team make sure the entire growth was successfully removed.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is primarily used to treat different types of skin cancer. These include basal cell carcinoma (the most common type) and squamous cell carcinoma. It is also a standard treatment for melanoma, which is a more serious form of skin cancer that requires careful removal.

The main goal of the excision is to remove the entire growth to prevent it from causing further issues. By taking out the cancer early, clinicians aim to stop it from growing larger, damaging nearby skin, or spreading to other parts of the body. It is a direct way to treat the site and promote healing.

In some cases, your clinician may recommend an excision if a previous biopsy showed that a growth was precancerous or high-risk. Removing the area as a precaution can help prevent a more serious condition from developing in the future.

How common it is & where it's done

Skin cancer excision is one of the most frequently performed procedures in dermatology. Because skin cancer is a very common health concern, clinicians perform these removals every day to help patients manage their skin health effectively.

Most excisions are done in an outpatient setting. This means you can usually have the procedure in your doctor’s office or a specialized clinic and go home the same day. It is a routine part of skin care and rarely requires a stay in a hospital.

Depending on the size and location of the cancer, your clinician may perform a standard excision or a specialized version called Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is often used for cancers on the face or other sensitive areas to save as much healthy skin as possible while ensuring the cancer is gone. Your clinician will determine which setting and method are best for your specific needs.

Recovery: What to Expect

After your skin cancer excision (the surgical removal of the growth), your clinician will likely place a bandage over the site. You may feel some mild soreness or tenderness once the numbing medicine wears off. Most people can return to their usual routine within a day or two, though your care team might suggest avoiding heavy lifting for a short time to help the area heal.

Your clinician will provide specific instructions on how to clean the area and when to change the bandage. If you have stitches, they are usually removed in one to two weeks, depending on where the surgery was located. It is important to keep the site protected from the sun as it heals to help the skin recover smoothly and reduce the appearance of the scar.

Risks & Possible Complications

While skin cancer excision is a common and generally safe procedure, all surgeries carry some small risks. These may include minor bleeding, bruising, or a skin infection. Your clinician will monitor the site to ensure it is healing as expected. You should contact your care team if you notice any of the following signs in a non-emergency way:

• Increased pain that does not get better with rest or prescribed care.
• Significant redness, warmth, or swelling around the surgical site.
• Fluid or pus draining from the wound.
• A fever or chills.

Some degree of scarring is a normal part of the healing process. While every person heals differently, most scars fade and become much less noticeable over several months.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

For many types of skin cancer, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, surgical excision has a very high success rate. The goal is to remove all the cancer cells while keeping as much healthy skin as possible. Your clinician may send the removed tissue to a lab to confirm that the "margins" (the edges of the tissue) are clear of cancer cells.

Long-term success depends on regular follow-up appointments. Because having one skin cancer can increase the risk of developing another, your clinician will likely recommend routine skin checks. Protecting your skin from the sun and checking your own skin for new or changing spots are the best ways to maintain your health after treatment.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is completely normal to feel a bit anxious when facing a skin cancer diagnosis or surgery. Remember that skin cancer is very common, and when caught early, it is highly treatable. Your healthcare team is there to support you and answer any questions you have about the process.

Focusing on the fact that you are taking an active step to protect your health can be very helpful. Many patients find comfort in knowing that modern surgical techniques are designed to be as precise and effective as possible, often resulting in excellent outcomes and minimal impact on your daily life. Your care team can also connect you with resources if you feel you need extra support during your recovery.

Why doctors recommend it

Doctors often recommend excision to treat skin cancer because it is a direct and effective way to remove the growth. During this procedure, a clinician cuts out the cancerous area along with a small amount of the healthy-looking skin around it. This extra edge is called a margin.

This method is commonly used for various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Your clinician may suggest this approach because it allows them to send the tissue to a lab. A specialist can then look at the tissue under a microscope to confirm that the cancer has been removed.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In most cases, skin cancer excision is a planned procedure rather than an emergency. However, it is important to treat skin cancer in a timely manner. If left alone, some skin cancers can grow deeper into the skin or spread to other areas of the body, making them harder to treat later.

Your care team will determine the timing based on the type of cancer and how fast it is growing. For example, melanoma is often treated more quickly because it has a higher risk of spreading. Most excisions are done in a clinic or outpatient center, which means you can usually go home the same day.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of skin cancer excision is to remove all the cancer cells from the site. By removing the tumor and a safety margin of healthy tissue, clinicians aim to ensure that no cancer is left behind to grow back in the future.

Success is often measured by having "clear margins." This means that when the lab checks the edges of the removed skin, they find only healthy cells. Other goals of this treatment include:

• Preventing spread: Removing the cancer early helps stop it from moving to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
• Preserving healthy skin: Clinicians work to remove the cancer while keeping as much healthy tissue as possible to help the area heal well.
• Providing a cure: For many common skin cancers, a successful excision can effectively cure the condition at that specific site.

Who may benefit

Clinicians often recommend skin cancer excision for people diagnosed with common types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This procedure involves removing the visible tumor along with a small border of healthy skin, known as a margin. This helps ensure that all the cancer cells are removed from the area.

People with melanoma, a more serious form of skin cancer, may also benefit from this surgery. Removing the growth early is a key step in treatment and can help prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. This method is frequently used for cancers found on the chest, back, arms, or legs, where there is usually enough skin to close the wound easily.

When it may not be the right option

Excision might not be the best choice if the cancer is in a sensitive area where saving as much healthy tissue as possible is a priority, such as the eyelids, nose, or ears. In these cases, your clinician may suggest Mohs surgery. This is a specialized technique where the doctor removes the cancer layer by layer and checks each one under a microscope until no cancer remains.

If the cancer is very large or has grown deep into the tissue, surgery alone might not be the only treatment needed. Your care team may discuss other options, such as radiation or specialized medications, if the cancer has spread or is difficult to reach with a standard incision. For very thin or surface-level growths, your doctor might also consider less invasive options like medicated creams or freezing (cryosurgery).

Questions to ask your care team

It is helpful to be prepared for your appointment. You may want to ask your care team the following questions to better understand your treatment plan:

• What type of skin cancer do I have, and how deep is it?
• Why is excision recommended for me instead of other treatments like Mohs surgery?
• How much healthy skin (the margin) will need to be removed?
• What will the scar look like, and how should I care for the wound?
• How often will I need to return for follow-up skin exams to check for new growths?

In the procedure room

When you arrive for your procedure, you will likely be in a standard exam room or a specialized procedure room at your doctor's office or an outpatient clinic. Your care team will help you get into a comfortable position on a treatment table or chair. Depending on where the skin cancer is located, you may be asked to change into a medical gown or adjust your clothing so the clinician can easily reach the area.

The staff will clean the skin around the site to prevent infection. The clinician will then use a surgical marker to outline the area that needs to be removed. This helps them see exactly where to work once the skin is prepared.

High-level steps

The main goal of the procedure is to remove the skin cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. This healthy tissue is called a margin. Removing a margin helps ensure that no stray cancer cells are left behind. The clinician uses a surgical knife (scalpel) to carefully remove the marked area.

Once the tissue is removed, it is usually sent to a laboratory. A specialist called a pathologist will look at the tissue under a microscope to confirm that the edges are clear of cancer. In some cases, such as Mohs surgery, this lab work happens while you wait in the office so the clinician can be sure the cancer is gone before finishing the procedure.

Anesthesia and pain control

Most skin cancer excisions are done using local anesthesia. This means the clinician injects a numbing medicine directly into the skin around the site. You will likely feel a brief sting or a pinching sensation when the needle is used. After a few moments, the area will feel completely numb.

During the procedure, you will remain awake. While you should not feel any pain, it is normal to feel some sensations of pressure, pulling, or tugging as the clinician works. If you begin to feel any discomfort, you should let your care team know so they can provide more numbing medicine.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety and comfort are the top priorities during the procedure. The care team uses sterile tools and drapes to keep the area clean. They will check in with you frequently to see how you are feeling. Because you are awake, you can talk to the staff if you have any questions or concerns while they work.

If the procedure takes a long time, such as with Mohs surgery, you may have breaks between steps. During these times, the wound is temporarily bandaged while the clinician checks the tissue in the lab. This careful monitoring ensures that only the necessary amount of skin is removed while keeping the rest of your skin healthy.

Immediately after the procedure

Once the clinician is confident the cancer is removed, they will decide the best way to help the area heal. Your clinician may:

• Use stitches (sutures) to pull the edges of the skin together.
• Leave the wound open to heal naturally if it is very small.
• Use a skin graft or a skin flap (moving nearby skin) to cover a larger area.

A protective bandage will be placed over the site. You may feel some mild soreness or throbbing as the numbing medicine wears off, but this is usually managed easily with basic care instructions provided by your team.

Typical procedure length

A standard skin cancer excision is often a quick process, typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. This includes the time needed to numb the area and close the wound with stitches.

If you are having a more specialized procedure like Mohs surgery, you should plan to be at the office for several hours or even most of the day. This is because the clinician must wait for lab results after each layer of skin is removed to make sure all the cancer is gone before you leave.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Doctors use different methods to remove skin cancer depending on the type, size, and location of the cancer. The most common approach is surgical excision. In this procedure, the clinician uses a scalpel to cut out the cancer along with a surrounding border of healthy skin, known as a margin. The wound is then typically closed with stitches.

For certain skin cancers, especially those on the face or areas where saving healthy tissue is important, doctors may use Mohs surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the cancer layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope immediately. This continues until no cancer cells remain, allowing the surgeon to keep as much healthy skin as possible.

Some superficial (surface-level) cancers may be treated with less invasive techniques that do not require cutting or stitches. These include:

• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Scraping away the cancer cells and using heat to seal the base.
• Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.

Note: These less invasive options are not always applicable for deeper or more aggressive cancers.

Partial vs total

In many cases, the process begins with a biopsy, which may be partial or total. A partial biopsy (such as a shave or punch biopsy) removes only a small part of the growth to test it in a lab. If the test confirms cancer, a second procedure is usually needed to perform a total removal of the remaining tumor.

Sometimes, a doctor may perform an excisional biopsy. This is a procedure intended to remove the entire growth at once for both testing and treatment. If the lab results show that the edges of the tissue are clear of cancer cells, no further removal is typically needed.

Revision or repeat procedures

Ideally, skin cancer is removed completely in one visit. However, a repeat procedure may be necessary if the lab report shows that cancer cells are still present at the edges of the removed tissue. This is done to ensure all the cancer is gone and to lower the risk of it coming back.

Revision surgery might also be needed for reconstruction. If a large area of skin was removed, especially on the face, a surgeon may perform a procedure to repair the wound using a skin flap or graft to improve the appearance of the scar.

Finally, skin cancer can sometimes return (recur) in the same spot years later. If this happens, your clinician will discuss options for removing the new growth, which may involve a different technique than the first time.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before scheduling an excision, your clinician will likely perform a physical exam to look closely at the suspicious area. To confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer, a biopsy is almost always the first step. During a biopsy, a small sample of skin is removed and sent to a lab for testing.

For most early-stage skin cancers, no further testing is needed. However, if the cancer is large, deep, or aggressive (such as certain stages of melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma), your care team may recommend additional tests to see if it has spread. These may include:

• Imaging tests: Scans like a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may be used to look at nearby structures or internal organs.
• Lymph node testing: A procedure called a sentinel node biopsy may be done to check if cancer cells have traveled to the nearby lymph nodes.

Medication adjustments

It is important to give your care team a full list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some substances can increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

Common medications that may be discussed include:

• Blood thinners (such as warfarin or clopidogrel)
• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Certain vitamin supplements (like Vitamin E or ginkgo biloba)

Important: Do not stop taking any prescription medications unless your clinician specifically instructs you to do so. In many cases, you may be able to continue your regular medicines.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Most skin cancer excisions are performed using local anesthesia, meaning you are awake but the area is numb. Because of this, preparation is often simple. Your clinician will provide specific rules, but general tips often include:

• Eat a normal meal: Unless you are receiving sedation (medicine to make you sleep), you usually do not need to fast. Eating breakfast can help prevent feeling faint.
• Dress for comfort: Wear loose-fitting clothing. If the surgery is on your face, avoid wearing makeup. It is also helpful to wear layers in case the office is cool.
• Clear your schedule: Some procedures, like Mohs surgery, can take several hours because the surgeon checks the skin in stages. Bring a book or magazine to help pass the time.
• Plan for a ride: While many patients can drive themselves home, you may want to ask a friend or family member to drive you if the surgery is near your eye or if you receive sedation.

General surgical risks

Most skin cancer excisions are minor procedures done while you are awake. While serious problems are uncommon, every surgery carries some basic risks. Your care team will take steps to keep you safe and comfortable.

• Bleeding and bruising: You may notice a small amount of bleeding or a bruise around the wound after the procedure.
• Infection: Signs of infection include redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the surgical site.
• Pain or tenderness: The area may feel sore or tender once the numbing medicine wears off.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, patients may have a reaction to the local anesthetic, tape, or bandages used during the surgery.

Procedure-specific complications

Because excision involves cutting the skin to remove the cancer, the procedure will leave a mark. The location and size of the cancer often determine how the area heals.

• Scarring: A scar is a normal part of the healing process. It may look red or raised at first, but it usually fades and flattens over time.
• Nerve sensations: If small nerve endings are cut during surgery, you might feel temporary numbness, itching, or shooting pain. In rare cases, if the cancer is deep, nerve damage can result in lasting numbness or muscle weakness.
• Recurrence: There is a small chance the cancer could come back (recur) after treatment. Your doctor will monitor your skin to catch any changes early.

How complications are treated

Your clinician will provide specific instructions to help you heal and prevent problems. Most side effects are manageable with standard follow-up care.

• Managing pain: Discomfort is usually mild. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to help with soreness.
• Treating infection: If the wound shows signs of infection, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
• Improving scars: If a scar is large or in a highly visible area, reconstructive surgery or other cosmetic treatments can often improve its appearance after the wound has fully healed.

Pain control medicines

Before the procedure begins, your clinician will typically use a local anesthetic. This is a medicine injected into the skin to numb the specific area being treated. This helps ensure you do not feel pain while the doctor works, though you may feel some pressure or tugging. You will usually stay awake during the process.

After the excision, most people find that any discomfort is mild and manageable. Your clinician may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. They will tailor their recommendation based on your health history and any other medicines you are taking. It is important to discuss any allergies or past reactions to numbing medicines with your care team before the procedure.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. To help the site heal properly, your clinician may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to be applied directly to the wound after the procedure. This keeps the area moist and helps lower the risk of infection.

In some situations, your clinician may ask you to take antibiotic pills before or after the surgery. This decision depends on several factors, such as the location of the surgery or your personal health history. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your care team and let them know if you have any known allergies to certain types of antibiotics.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are medicines that help prevent blood clots. Common examples include aspirin or prescription medications used for heart health. Because these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding during or after a skin cancer excision, your clinician will carefully review all the medications and supplements you currently take.

It is very important that you do not stop taking any prescribed blood thinners unless your clinician specifically tells you to do so. Your care team will weigh the risk of bleeding against the risk of blood clots to create a plan that is safe for you. They may provide specific instructions on how to manage these medicines in the days leading up to your procedure.

Emergency warning signs

Most patients recover from skin cancer excision without needing emergency care. However, heavy bleeding requires immediate attention. You should seek emergency help or go to an urgent care center if:

• Bleeding does not stop: You have applied firm pressure to the wound for 20 minutes (without peeking), but it continues to bleed actively.
• Rapid swelling: You notice a large bulge forming quickly under the wound, which may indicate bleeding inside the tissue.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Infection is the most common complication after skin surgery. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following signs of infection or healing problems:

• Fever: You have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Changes in the wound: You see redness, warmth, or swelling that spreads away from the incision site.
• Drainage: You notice thick yellow or green fluid (pus) coming from the wound, or the wound has a bad smell.
• Pain: Your pain gets worse over time or is not relieved by the pain medicine recommended by your doctor.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is helpful to know what is part of the normal healing process and what might be a sign of trouble.

• Most people have: Mild tenderness, a small amount of clear or slightly bloody fluid on the bandage, and some bruising around the area. The skin may feel tight as it heals.
• Call if: The area feels hot to the touch, red streaks appear on the skin near the wound, or the stitches come loose before your follow-up appointment.

Non-surgical treatments

For some types of skin cancer that are caught very early or are only on the surface, your clinician may suggest treatments that do not involve cutting the skin. One common option is topical therapy, which uses special creams or gels applied directly to the skin to help your immune system fight the cancer cells. Another option is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a light-sensitive liquid and a special light to destroy the abnormal cells.

Other non-surgical methods include:

• Cryosurgery: This involves freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: The clinician scrapes away the surface of the cancer and uses an electric needle to kill any remaining cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy beams to target the cancer. It is often used if a person cannot have surgery or if the cancer is in a difficult spot.

Watchful waiting

In most cases, skin cancer requires active treatment to prevent it from growing or spreading. However, in very specific situations, your clinician may suggest watchful waiting. This means monitoring a spot closely for any changes before deciding on a treatment. This is usually only considered for very slow-growing spots or for patients with other serious health concerns where the risks of a procedure might outweigh the benefits.

During this time, you will likely have regular skin exams. Your clinician will look for changes in size, shape, or color. If the spot begins to grow or change, they will likely move forward with a more active treatment plan to ensure the area stays healthy.

When surgery becomes the best option

While non-surgical options can be effective for surface-level spots, surgery is often the most reliable way to ensure all cancer cells are removed. Your clinician may recommend surgery if the cancer is aggressive, such as melanoma, or if it has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body. Surgery allows the medical team to look at the edges of the removed tissue under a microscope to confirm that no cancer remains.

Surgery may also be the best choice if:

• The cancer has returned after a non-surgical treatment.
• The spot is in a high-risk area, like the face, where Mohs surgery can help save as much healthy skin as possible.
• The cancer has grown deep into the skin layers where creams or light therapy cannot reach.

Your clinician will help you weigh the benefits of each approach based on the type of cancer, its location, and your overall health.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Skin cancer excision is often performed in specialized dermatology departments. These clinics focus on skin health and are equipped to remove most common skin cancers. For specific cases, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma on the face, your clinician may refer you to a Mohs surgery unit. This specialized service allows the surgeon to remove the cancer and check the tissue in a lab immediately to ensure all cancer cells are gone.

Larger medical centers may offer a multidisciplinary team approach. This means specialists from different areas, such as dermatology, surgery, and pathology (the study of diseased tissue), work together to plan your care. Many of these procedures are done in outpatient surgical centers, which allow you to return home the same day.

Patient resources and support services

Many hospitals provide resources to help you feel more comfortable before and after your procedure. This often includes patient education materials that explain your diagnosis and how to care for your skin as it heals. Some centers also offer care coordinators who help you manage your appointments and communicate with your medical team.

Support services may also include:

• Support groups: These programs connect you with other people who have had skin cancer to share experiences and advice.
• Financial counseling: Staff can help you understand your insurance coverage and navigate the costs of treatment.
• Follow-up programs: Many facilities offer regular skin checks and monitoring to help catch any new concerns early.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

When choosing a facility for your skin cancer excision, it is helpful to understand their experience and the services they provide. You may want to ask your clinician or the facility staff the following questions:

• How many procedures of this type does the surgeon perform regularly?
• Is the tissue examined by a pathologist on-site, or is it sent to an outside lab?
• If my case is complex, does the facility offer Mohs surgery or specialized reconstruction?
• What is the process for getting my results after the surgery?
• What kind of support is available if I have questions about my wound care during recovery?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Skin cancer excision is a common way to treat several types of skin growths. Your clinician may use this procedure to remove basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a slow-growing bump on skin that gets a lot of sun, such as the face or neck.

Another condition treated is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer can grow deeper into the skin than basal cell carcinoma and may require excision to ensure all the affected cells are removed and to prevent it from spreading.

Melanoma is a more serious form of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give skin its color (pigment). Because it has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body, clinicians often perform an excision to remove the growth and a small area of healthy skin around it to be safe.

Sometimes, a clinician may recommend excision for atypical moles (also called dysplastic nevi). These are not cancer, but they may look like melanoma or have a higher chance of becoming cancer in the future. Removing them can help prevent further issues.

Related symptoms people search for

People often look into skin excision when they notice unusual changes on their skin. These changes may include a new growth or a mole that changes in size, shape, or color. It is important to have any new or changing skin spots evaluated by a clinician.

Other symptoms that can be associated with skin conditions needing treatment include:

• A sore that does not heal or keeps coming back in the same spot.
• A pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears, or neck.
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown lesion that looks like a scar.
• A firm, red nodule (a small, rounded lump).
• A scaly, crusted surface on a flat patch of skin.
• A mole that bleeds, itches, or feels tender.

Your clinician may recommend a biopsy to check these symptoms. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue for testing in a lab. If the results show cancer or high-risk cells, a full excision may be the next step to ensure the area is clear.

Evidence overview

Surgical excision is a standard and widely accepted treatment for the most common types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The goal of this procedure is to cut out the cancer along with a safety margin of healthy skin surrounding it. Medical evidence supports this approach as an effective way to remove cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading.

For skin cancers located in sensitive areas like the face, or for cancers that have come back after previous treatment, doctors often recommend a specialized method called Mohs surgery. This technique allows the surgeon to remove skin layer by layer and examine it under a microscope immediately. This process helps ensure all cancer cells are removed while saving as much healthy tissue as possible, leading to high cure rates for these specific cases.

Safety notes and individualized care

Skin cancer excision is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks. Common side effects include bleeding, bruising, and pain at the site of the surgery. There is also a risk of infection, so it is important to keep the wound clean and follow your care team's instructions for changing bandages.

Scarring is a normal result of cutting the skin. The appearance of the scar will depend on the size of the cancer and where it is located on your body. While scars are permanent, they usually fade over time. Your doctor will make every effort to place the incision in a way that minimizes the scar's visibility.

Your medical team will tailor your care plan to your specific situation. The choice of which surgical method to use depends on several individual factors, including:

• The type of skin cancer you have
• The size, depth, and location of the growth
• Whether the cancer is new or recurring
• Your overall health and medical history

Sources used

The information provided in this section is grounded in patient education materials from major academic medical centers and established medical guidelines. These sources outline standard practices for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.