Which specialist performs skin cancer surgery?

A dermatologic surgeon is trained to remove skin cancers and manage the surrounding skin. Planning can include choosing the surgical approach, checking the tissue removed and closing the wound in a way that supports healing and function. The operation may be performed in a clinic or hospital depending on the lesion, its location and the treatment plan. A pathologist examines removed tissue, while an oncologist or another specialist may join care when the diagnosis or extent of disease requires it.

Bring biopsy reports, photographs and a complete list of medicines, especially those that affect bleeding or immune function. Mention allergies, previous problems with anaesthesia, implanted devices and any tendency toward thick or raised scars. Ask how much tissue may be removed, how the wound will be closed, what restrictions apply afterwards and when pathology results are expected.

Contact the surgical team urgently for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, pus, fever or worsening pain after surgery. Before an operation, seek a prompt review for a lesion that is changing, bleeding or failing to heal, because the treatment plan may need timely assessment.

Ask whether the operation is the recommended treatment, how the edges will be checked, whether reconstruction is expected and what scar care will involve. Clarify who will explain the pathology result and which symptoms should prompt a call after the procedure.