Surgery of the Skin - Skin Cancer Surgery; What is involved?

Duration of Surgery; What to Expect

Preparation for Surgery; What Will I Need to Do?

Plastic Surgery; Will it be Required?

Recovery Time; What is the Recovery Time for Skin Cancer Surgery ?

Follow-Up Care?

Recurrence of Skin Cancer; What is the Likelihood?

Surgery of the Skin- Skin Cancer Surgery; What is Involved?

Once a skin cancer is diagnosed, the skin cancer is then removed surgically, either under local or general anesthesia. The cancer is excised with safety margins and the pathology evaluation occurs during the surgery by a pathologist. Results are known quickly. Additional tissue is only taken based on the readings of the microscopic examination. It allows the surgeon to take only the least amount of tissue needed especially in cosmetically sensitive areas like the nose, lips, ear and eye. This also diminishes the need for the removal of additional tissue during a separate visit.

Duration of Surgery; What to Expect?

This depends on the size of the tumor and anatomic location, but generally takes 1-1 ½ hours.

Preparation for Surgery; What Will I Need to Do?

You can and should eat breakfast and/ or lunch the day of your surgery. You should continue taking your medications as you normally do unless Dr. Darling has instructed you otherwise.

Plastic Surgery; Will it be Required?

Dr. Darling has the experience to perform the reconstruction of the surgical site. Options for this are discussed before and during the skin cancer surgery. In the event of a very large skin cancer, Dr. Darling may coordinate your care with a Plastic surgeon or ENT specialist.

Recovery Time; What is The Recovery Time for Skin Cancer Surgery?

After the surgery, the bandages typically remain in place for 24 hours, at which time they may be remove and normal bathing activities may resume. Dr Darling will give you specific instructions on the care of your wound. Sutures are typically removed 5-10 days after the surgery. During this time try to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting and prolonged sun exposure. Also avoid swimming in hot tubs, pools or lakes.

Follow-Up Care?

Dr. Darling will continue follow up care with you based on how the wound progresses in its healing. Once the wound is healed, Dr. Darling will work with you to maximize the appearance of the scar. Surveillance of the area will be coordinated on an individual basis to make sure there are no recurrences.

Recurrence of Skin Cancer; What is The Likelihood?

After excision, recurrence rates are low for basal cell carcinomas or Squamous cell carcinomas. Other skin cancers like melanoma are more aggressive and may reoccur locally at the scar or may travel distally to other body sites. Dr. Darling will explain this in greater detail during consultation and the day of surgery.