Non-melanoma skin cancer treatment: what to know

A specialist first confirms the diagnosis and reviews the lesion’s location, size, borders, depth, and microscopic features. Surgical excision removes the visible tumour with a planned margin; other skin cancer surgery techniques may be considered when preserving nearby tissue is especially important. A larger or deeper cancer may need wider tumour removal surgery. In selected advanced cases, immunotherapy may be discussed. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is relevant only for particular clinical situations, not for every skin cancer.

Ask which procedure is recommended, whether the tissue will be examined after removal, and how the wound will be closed and cared for. Tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, immune conditions, and previous operations in the area. Keep the wound clean as instructed, avoid picking at the dressing or scab, and attend appointments so healing and pathology results can be reviewed. Follow-up after cancer treatment also supports checks for recurrence and new lesions.

After treatment, seek advice for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, wound separation, or swelling affecting vision or movement. Before treatment, report rapid growth, new neurological symptoms, or a lesion that becomes markedly painful or ulcerated. Ask how quickly pathology results will be communicated and whom to contact outside clinic hours.

What is the confirmed cancer type and stage? Why is this treatment appropriate for its location and depth? Will I need excision, another skin cancer operation, or systemic treatment? Is lymph-node assessment needed? How will reconstruction, wound care, and follow-up be managed?