Surgical oncology
Skin cancer surgery
Removal of a skin cancer with a margin of healthy tissue, and assessment of lymph nodes where the type and depth call for it.
In plain language
What this operation is
Skin cancers vary considerably. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the most common and are usually local problems. Melanoma is less common but behaves more aggressively, and depth of invasion determines much of what follows.
The changes worth acting on in a mole are asymmetry, an irregular border, more than one colour, increasing size, and any change in a lesion that had previously been stable. Bleeding, itching or a sore that does not heal also warrant assessment.
Treatment is excision with a margin of healthy tissue around the lesion. The width of that margin is decided by the type and, for melanoma, the depth reported on the initial biopsy.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A mole that is changing in size, shape or colour
- A sore or ulcer that has not healed over weeks
- A lesion that bleeds or itches persistently
- A biopsy confirming skin cancer
And when it is not. Most moles and skin lesions are harmless. It is change — in size, shape, colour or behaviour — that warrants assessment rather than the presence of a mole.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
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01
First consultation
History, examination and review of every report and film you already have. Bring the actual films, not only the printed summaries.
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02
Diagnosis and staging
Biopsy confirms the diagnosis; imaging establishes how far the disease has gone. No treatment plan is made before this.
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03
The plan
Whether surgery is the right step, and in what order relative to chemotherapy or radiotherapy — agreed with you before anything is booked.
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04
Treatment and follow-up
The operation where appropriate, then the pathology report, and continuing follow-up.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Recovery depends on the operation performed and on your general health.
- A written discharge plan, wound-care guidance and a follow-up appointment are given before you leave.
- The pathology report usually takes some days and is discussed with you at follow-up.
- Whether further treatment is advised is decided once that report is available.
When to go to hospital instead
Rapid growth, heavy bleeding from a lesion, or a spreading area of redness and pain needs prompt assessment.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 What changes in a mole should I act on?
Asymmetry, an irregular border, more than one colour, growth in size, and any change in a mole that had been stable. A sore that does not heal is equally worth checking.
Warning signs02 Why is a margin of healthy skin removed too?
Because cancer cells can extend beyond the visible edge. Taking a margin is what makes the removal complete, and the required width depends on the type and depth.
Margins03 Will lymph nodes be checked?
For melanoma beyond a certain depth, and for some other skin cancers, the draining lymph nodes are assessed. For most basal cell cancers they are not.
Lymph nodesNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.