What to expect from excisional surgery for squamous cell carcinoma

The clinician marks the visible lesion and the surrounding margin needed for the planned operation. The skin is numbed, or another anaesthetic approach is arranged when appropriate. After removal, the wound may be closed directly, repaired with nearby skin, or dressed to heal according to its size and location. The specimen goes to laboratory examination so the diagnosis and edges can be assessed. [Squamous Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/) care may involve further discussion if the report shows tumour at an edge or identifies features needing attention.

Give the team a complete medicine and allergy list, including anything that affects bleeding. Follow instructions for dressing changes, washing, and activity. Avoid pressure or stretching over the closure, and do not remove crusts yourself. Use recommended pain relief and attend the appointment for wound review or stitch removal. Protect the healed area from sun and keep checking the rest of your skin as advised. The [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) guide covers the general technique.

Contact the clinic for bleeding that persists with pressure, a wound that opens, increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or cloudy drainage. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, breathing difficulty, or sudden severe swelling. Report a sore that does not heal, a firm area near the scar, or a new rapidly changing skin lesion so it can be examined promptly.

Ask what margin is planned, how the wound will be reconstructed, when the pathology report is expected, how the scar will be protected, and what skin checks are recommended.