What should you know about scalp surgery for skin cancer?

The surgeon considers the suspected cancer type, size, depth, borders, hair-bearing location, and nearby structures. Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are common skin cancers considered in surgical planning, while Melanoma requires attention to tumour depth and spread. Tissue removed during surgery may be examined to check whether the edges are clear.

Tell the surgical team about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, and any scalp treatments. Follow instructions about washing, dressings, sun protection, and activity. Keep the wound clean and avoid rubbing it with a comb or headwear. Depending on the defect, closure may use stitches, a skin graft, or another reconstruction. Hair may temporarily look thinner around the site.

Contact the surgical team for increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, wound separation, or fever. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not settle with firm direct pressure, faintness, or rapidly worsening swelling. Keep follow-up appointments so pathology findings and future skin checks are discussed.

Ask what type of cancer is suspected, how much tissue may be removed, how the wound will be closed, whether hair regrowth near the scar is expected, and when pathology and follow-up plans will be explained.