Skin Cancer Surgery
Skin cancers may come in a variety of forms and all need some sort of treatment. The treatment is most commonly performed surgically, with the lesion removed so it can be analysed in the laboratory. Broadly speaking, the three most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), which are usually not capable of spreading; squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Most skin cancer removal can be performed under local anaesthetic (with you awake) in our procedure room. Once the injection of anaesthetic is gently given, the procedure involves surgically removing the skin cancer and carefully stitching the wound. If the “defect” left after the removal of the skin cancer is too large to stitch, plastic surgery techniques such as skin grafting or the use of skin flaps may be required to close the wound.
The aim of skin cancer removal is complete cure. The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC or rodent ulcer) does not spread, so once completely removed surgically, it has a very low risk of coming back. If it does so, it would be in the same place as it originally was, and it is normally a simple procedure to re-excise it.
Other skin cancers include squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma (MM), which both have the capability of spreading. However, if caught and removed early enough, cure is also possible.
Therefore, early diagnosis and removal of a skin cancer is crucial.
Anaesthetic
Local Anaesthetic
Procedure Length
60 minutes
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £970
Downtime
Normal ‘light’ activities may be resumed after 1-2 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
Anaesthetic
Local Anaesthetic
Procedure Length
60 minutes
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £970
Downtime
Normal ‘light’ activities may be resumed after 1-2 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
The length of skin cancer treatment depends on the size, location and type of skin cancer being treated.
Many procedures can be completed within one to two hours, often under local anaesthetic.
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of treatment and the area involved.
Most patients experience mild discomfort and temporary swelling while the wound heals over the following days and weeks.
Many patients return to normal activities within a few days, although this depends on the size and location of the surgical site.
Your surgeon will provide specific advice tailored to your treatment.
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring and, in some cases, the need for additional treatment.
Your surgeon will explain all relevant risks during your consultation.
Skin cancer is usually diagnosed through clinical examination and confirmed with a biopsy or laboratory analysis of removed tissue.
Early diagnosis is important for achieving the best possible outcome.
Common skin cancers treated include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and certain forms of melanoma.
Treatment recommendations depend on the specific diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Some skin cancers can be removed with simple closure techniques, while others may require reconstructive procedures to restore appearance and function.
Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate approach for your case.
Follow-up appointments play an important role in monitoring healing and identifying any future skin concerns. The specific type of skin cancer also determines how often and how long you should have scheduled follow-up for.
Patients who have had one skin cancer may have an increased risk of developing others in the future, making ongoing skin surveillance important.
