Surgical Excisions of Skin Cancer:
For skin cancers that do not require Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an Excision Surgery can be performed. When performing surgical excisions of skin cancer, the Doctor will first numb the skin and then surgically remove the growth and a portion of the normal-looking skin. This portion of normal skin is used as a safety margin. The margin is then reviewed by a dermatopathologist to ensure the tissue of the normal-looking skin remains cancer free. If the skin cancer spreads or re-develops, an additional surgery may be needed. The accepted cure rate for primary tumors with this technique is above 95%.
Surgical Excisions of Moles:
Most moles do not require treatment. A mole can be removed if it is bothersome, cosmetically unsatisfying, or skin cancer is present. The mole can usually be removed in a single office visit, however, some moles may require multiple visits for removal. These moles can be removed by using the shave technique or by surgical excision. If there is regrowth after removal, this can be a sign of skin cancer and must be followed up immediately.
Surgical Excision of Cysts:
For the excision of cysts, a small incision is made in the area of the cyst once it has been numbed, and then the surrounding tissue is removed. Some sutures may be needed to close the wound. Cysts usually do not regrow.
