What to know about basal cell skin cancer surgery

The technique depends on the growth's site, size, borders and previous treatment, as well as the need to preserve nearby structures. Many procedures use local anaesthetic, but the surgeon will explain the planned anaesthesia and repair before treatment.

Standard excision removes the growth and a surrounding rim of apparently healthy skin. The specimen goes to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines the diagnosis and margins. Some operations assess tissue in stages during the same visit, which can help conserve healthy skin in anatomically sensitive areas or where tumour borders are difficult to see.

After removal, the wound may be closed directly, allowed to heal naturally, or repaired with nearby skin or a skin graft. The expected scar and repair method vary by location and the size of the final wound, not simply by the visible spot before surgery.

Give the clinical team a complete list of medicines, supplements, allergies and previous reactions to anaesthetic. Do not stop a prescribed blood-thinning medicine unless the clinician responsible for it and the surgical team provide specific instructions. Arrange practical help if the planned dressing or procedure site may limit driving, work or normal movement.

Follow the written advice for keeping the dressing clean, washing, activity and pain relief. Mild tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur after an operation. Protect the healing area from rubbing and attend the planned wound, stitch and pathology appointments so the team can discuss the margin result and whether further treatment is needed.

Contact the surgical team promptly if pain or swelling is getting worse rather than settling, the wound becomes increasingly red or hot, pus appears, the edges separate, or you develop fever or feel unwell. Bleeding that soaks through the dressing or continues despite the pressure instructions provided by your team also needs urgent advice.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, collapse, severe weakness or bleeding that cannot be controlled. Once healed, arrange a skin assessment for a new growth or a spot that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, fails to heal or changes noticeably; these features require examination and do not establish the diagnosis by themselves.

Ask which removal method is planned, how and when margins will be checked, and what type of wound closure is expected. You may also want to discuss activity restrictions, scar care, who will communicate the pathology result, what would prompt another procedure, and how often your remaining skin should be examined.