Skin Cancer Treatment

The procedure is performed as an “office-based” procedure performed under local anaesthetic. This allows a speedy recovery. Stitches will be used that are usually kept in for around 7-14 days. There will be tapes over the stitches which are left in place until you return to have the stitches removed. Alternatively, it is sometimes appropriate to for dissolvable stitches to be used, in which case you will be invited back for a wound check at an appropriate time after surgery (usually around 2-weeks).

It is recommended that no sporting or strenuous activity is performed until around a week after the stitches are removed. Showering and washing is possible – as long as attention is paid to the surgical tapes to ensure they are dry afterwards (a hair dryer on a cold setting is very useful for this).

Skin cancer removal has a high success rate. The scar(s) will be red initially, which is quite normal, and will then fade gradually. Scars can take over a year to completely fade in some people. Depending on the type of skin cancer diagnosed, it is sometimes necessary to have a further surgical procedure, but this will be discussed with you at the time of your initial consultation.

The following complications may be associated with this procedure:

• Bleeding – this is usually “nuisance” bleeding and will stop with pressure applied for 10-15 minutes. Rarely, the wound will need to be opened and the bleeding stopped more formally in the procedure room.
• Wound infection and delayed healing may occur, but again are unusual. The risks are higher in people suffering from diabetes and in smokers
• Unsightly scarring in some people – rarely, scarring can become lumpy (hypertrophic or keloid). This may require further treatment to try to improve the appearance of the scars (at further cost).

Recurrence of the skin cancer can also sometimes occur – usually around the scar. If this happens, it will require further surgery. In addition, if the laboratory analysis suggests that some of the “roots” of the skin cancer may be left behind, further surgery might be required too.

Prices starts from £670