Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer surgery is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of a cancerous lesion or growth. The skilled dermatologists at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists in Trumbull, Westport, and Derby, Connecticut, use several surgical approaches to remove skin cancer in their offices.

Alexander Fogel MD heads our skin cancer treatment program. To explore skin cancer surgeries, call Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.

What is skin cancer surgery?

Skin cancer surgery are procedures that dermatologists use to remove cancerous lesions from the skin. The goal is to remove or destroy all cancerous cells so they can’t grow, metastasize and spread to other areas of your body. Some skin cancer surgeries involve the removal of a margin of healthy cells around the lesion to be safe. 

Dr. Fogel and the team at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists provide several types of skin cancer surgery.

The team performs your skin cancer surgery while being mindful of any possible scarring that may occur. They can also help you care for the area as it heals after treatment. 

How does skin cancer surgery work?

There are a few different skin cancer surgery methods that Dr. Fogel uses to remove cancerous lesions. Depending on the type, depth and location of the skin cancer you have, he might recommend:

Excision

• Excision involves a sharp tool, such as a scalpel, used to cut the lesion, and a margin of healthy skin around it, out of your skin. The area is then sutures into a fine line in order to promote ideal healing.

Electrodessication & Curretage (ED&C)

• ED&C is a surgical technique that works by scraping off the cancerous cells in your lesion. This is a highly effective technique that allows for rapid treatment and minimal downtime, as it does not involve stitches.

Cryosurgery

• Cryosurgery is a surgical technique that works by freezing off your cancerous lesion. This is a highly effective technique that allows for rapid treatment and minimal downtime, as it does not involve stitches.

Micrographic surgery (Mohs surgery)

• Micrographic surgery, also known as Mohs surgery or the Mohs procedure, is a specialized technique used for difficult-to-treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas on sensitive areas of the body, in which your doctor shaves off one fine layer of skin cells after another, examining each under a microscope to locate the cancerous cells. They repeat the process until there are no cancerous cells. The area is then sutured or left to heal naturally.

To learn more about skin cancer surgery, call or schedule an appointment online today.