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 is a type of procedure dermatologists use to remove cancerous lesions from the skin. The goal is to remove all cancerous cells so they can’t 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. 

The team at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists provides several types of skin cancer surgery. They diagnose your skin cancer type and might take a biopsy of the lesion to examine the cells under a microscope.

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 do I know if I need skin cancer surgery?

You should have skin cancer screenings every three years if you’re between ages 20 and 40 and annually if you’re over 40. The team examines your skin for suspicious lesions and changing moles.

They also encourage you to keep an eye on your own skin for signs of skin cancer. You should look for:

• Growths that look like warts
• Scaly or crusty lesions
• Sores that bleed but don’t heal
• Odd-shaped moles with irregular borders
• Moles that change in shape, color, or size

It might help you to use a handheld mirror or have someone you trust help examine every part of your skin for signs of cancer.  

How does skin cancer surgery work?

There are a few different skin cancer surgery methods that the team at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists use to remove cancerous lesions. Depending on the type and depth of the skin cancer you have, they 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. 

Electrodessication & Curretage (ED&C)

ED&C is a surgical technique that works by scraping off the cancerous cells in your lesion. 

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a surgical technique that works by freezing off your cancerous lesion. 

Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery is an specialized technique used for difficult to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas, 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. 

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