Skin Cancer Excisions

Once a skin cancer has been diagnosed (usually through a sampling technique called a skin biopsy), the skin cancer must then be removed.  Based on the specific cancer subtype, location, and size of the lesion, removal methods include excision, destruction, radiation, or occasionally chemotherapy creams.  Skin cancer excision is one of the most widely utilized methods of removal.  In this method, the skin is numbed and prepped, and then an elliptical piece of skin is removed (this includes the biopsy site and appropriate margins given the type of skin cancer).  This is then closed with 2 layers of stitches: deep subcutaneous sutures that absorb slowly over time and superficial sutures that need to be removed after 1 or 2 weeks.  Sometimes, to ensure the best closure, least resistance, or to avoid functional impairment, flaps and/or grafts may be employed to yield the best results.  Dr. Chaudhry has performed thousands of skin cancer excisions and works closely with expert dermatopathologists to ensure complete treatment and surveillance over time.