Skin Cancer Surgery

One in five Americans will receive a skin cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. To get rid of cancer before it spreads, Comprehensive Dermatology offers in-office, minimally invasive skin cancer surgery services. The skilled dermatologists use advanced techniques, including excision surgery, Mohs surgery, and laser therapies, to treat all types of skin cancers. Schedule a consultation for skin cancer surgery online or call the office in Woodmere or Westbury, New York, today.

What is skin cancer surgery?

Skin cancer surgery is a common treatment for different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells divide abnormally. Unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun or tanning beds is a common trigger for skin cancer, especially if you have a history of sunburns.

However, you can also develop melanoma or other skin cancers in areas of your skin unexposed to the sun due to genetic and environmental factors.

Which type of skin cancer surgery do I need?

The type of surgery you need depends on which cancer you have, the size of the treatment area, and the stage of the disease. The Comprehensive Dermatology team personalizes a surgical plan to remove cancerous growths before they can worsen or spread to other areas.

Available surgeries include:

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze cancerous tissue and prevent it from growing. The frozen tissue eventually forms a scab and falls off.

You might need cryosurgery if you have precancerous growths or need treatment for a small area of skin cancer.

Excision surgery

Excision surgery involves cutting away cancerous growths and some healthy tissue surrounding them.

The team uses excision techniques to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma.

Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is a technique that involves removing one layer of tissue at a time. The team then examines each layer under a microscope. They repeat the process until skin samples are free of cancerous cells.

Mohs surgery is highly effective and the most precise method for treating all types of skin cancer.

Light and laser treatments

Advanced light and laser therapies are available to destroy cancerous tissue without damaging healthy tissues nearby. 

What happens after skin cancer surgery?

Your recovery time depends on the type of skin cancer surgery you have and your overall health.

Comprehensive Dermatology provides complete after-care services to ensure your skin heals fully and to lower your risk for infection and other complications.

The team also recommends products to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, including high-quality sunscreens you should use to lower your risk for additional skin cancer.

Call the Comprehensive Dermatology office nearest you to schedule a skin cancer surgery consultation or book an appointment online today.