Does skin cancer surgery treat basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that often appears as a persistent shiny bump, a sore that does not heal, or a scaly area. Surgery aims to remove the visible growth and check the edges of the removed tissue so remaining tumour cells are less likely to be left behind. The method may involve standard excision or a technique that checks margins during the procedure.

The choice depends on the lesion's size, depth, borders, location, and whether it has returned. Areas near the eyes, nose, lips, or ears may need especially careful planning. A wound may be closed directly or repaired with another reconstructive approach.

A dermatologist or skin surgeon will examine the area and may arrange a biopsy before planning treatment. Share your medicines, allergies, and history of bleeding or healing problems. After surgery, follow the dressing and wound-care instructions, avoid picking the site, and attend the review needed to discuss the tissue result. Continue checking your skin because a history of one basal cell carcinoma can be followed by new lesions.

Arrange a prompt assessment for a sore that repeatedly crusts or bleeds, a shiny bump that grows, or a scar-like patch without a clear injury. After surgery, contact the treating team for increasing redness, swelling, worsening pain, pus, fever, or bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure.

Ask which procedure is suitable, how much skin may need removal, how the wound will be closed, when the tissue result will be available, and how the scar should be protected during healing.