What to expect from skin cancer surgery for squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a rough scaly patch, a firm bump, or a sore that does not heal. The operation is tailored to the lesion's size, depth, position, and borders. After local anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the tumour and nearby skin, then sends the specimen for examination.

The wound may be stitched directly or repaired with a flap or graft. For selected lesions, tissue can be checked in stages during surgery to help confirm that the visible cancer has been removed while conserving nearby healthy skin. Your clinician will explain the method chosen for your site.

Follow the written dressing and cleaning instructions, take recommended medication, and avoid rubbing or stretching the wound. Keep scheduled visits for stitch removal, wound review, and discussion of the tissue report. Once healed, use sun protection and examine the skin for new rough, bleeding, or changing areas.

Mention diabetes, immune-suppressing medicines, blood-thinning medicines, allergies, or previous healing problems before surgery. Do not put antiseptics, creams, or home remedies on the wound unless the team has advised them.

Ask for prompt help if bleeding persists with pressure, redness or warmth spreads, discharge develops, the wound separates, pain increases rather than settles, or you develop fever. Emergency assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, sudden severe swelling, faintness, or breathing difficulty.

Ask how deep the tumour appears, why the proposed technique fits its location, how the wound will be repaired, when the pathology report will be available, and how often you need skin checks.