Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Saadet Demir

Effective skin cancer treatment is key for health and looks, more so in visible areas like the face. At Liv Hospital, we focus on precise treatments, like surgical excision for skin cancer. This ensures top-notch care for our patients.

We’ll walk you through the steps to remove squamous cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer. Our approach puts patients first. We use our team’s skills to remove the tumor and some healthy tissue. This way, we make sure all cancer is gone.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the surgical process can help alleviate concerns for patients facing squamous cell carcinoma.
• Surgical excision is the primary method used for removing squamous cell carcinoma.
• Precision in treatments, such as targeted drug delivery, highlights the importance of advanced medical technology.
• Liv Hospital’s multidisciplinary expertise ensures the highest standards in skin cancer treatment.
• Removing a margin of healthy tissue around the tumor is critical for complete cancer eradication.

Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It’s important to know about squamous cell carcinoma to help with treatment and care. This type of skin cancer starts in the squamous cells. These are flat, thin cells on the skin’s outer layer.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer. It mainly affects sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. It can also happen in other places, like the lips, mouth, and genital areas.

Key characteristics include its fast growth and ability to spread if not treated early. Catching it early is key to avoid serious problems.

Common Locations and Appearance

Squamous cell carcinoma often shows up in sun-exposed spots. It might look like a firm, rough, or scaly patch. Or it could be a sore that doesn’t heal. Sometimes, it might bleed or crust over.

Visual identification is important. A biopsy is usually needed to confirm it. We’ll talk more about diagnosis in later sections.

Differences Between Squamous and Basal Cell Carcinomas

Squamous and basal cell carcinomas are both skin cancers but differ. Basal cell carcinoma grows slower and is less likely to spread. Squamous cell carcinoma grows faster and can spread more easily.

Knowing these differences helps choose the right treatment. We’ll look at treatment options next.

Diagnosis and Pre-Surgical Assessment

Before surgery for squamous cell carcinoma, a detailed diagnosis and assessment are key. This ensures the treatment fits the patient’s needs. It also boosts the chances of removing the cancer successfully.

Biopsy Procedures

A biopsy is the main way to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma. A sample of suspicious tissue is taken and checked for cancer cells. There are different biopsies, like shave and excisional biopsies, based on the tumor’s size and location.

We use advanced tools for accurate biopsy results. The biopsy type depends on the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s health.

Staging and Evaluation

After confirming the diagnosis, staging and evaluation follow. This step determines the cancer’s extent, including size and spread. Staging is key for choosing the right treatment.

Staging involves imaging tests like CT scans and MRI. It also includes a thorough physical exam. Accurate staging helps us pick the best surgery.

Determining the Appropriate Surgical Approach

The diagnosis and staging info guide the surgical plan. The surgery type depends on the cancer’s stage, location, and the patient’s health.

We look at various surgeries, like excision and Mohs micrographic surgery. The goal is to remove the cancer fully while saving healthy tissue.

Advances in diagnostic tools and techniques are vital. As shown by the University of Washington, they help in precise disease identification and treatment planning. Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential for choosing the best surgery. This ensures patients get the most effective care for their condition.

Preparing for Skin Cancer Surgery

Getting ready for skin cancer surgery is important. It helps make sure the surgery goes well. We’ll show you how to prepare, from the first meeting to after the surgery.

Consultation with Your Surgeon

First, you’ll meet with your surgeon. They will explain the surgery, risks, and what to expect. This is your chance to ask questions and share concerns.

Tell your surgeon about your medical history. Include any medicines, allergies, and past surgeries. This helps your surgeon plan the best approach for you.

Pre-operative Instructions

After talking to your surgeon, you’ll get instructions. These are key for a good surgery. You might need to:

• Stop certain medicines before surgery
• Avoid eating and drinking before the surgery
• Have someone drive you home
• Prepare your skin by avoiding certain products

It’s important to follow these instructions. They help keep you safe and ensure the surgery is successful.

What to Bring on Surgery Day

On surgery day, bring what you need. This includes:

Mental Preparation

Getting mentally ready is as important as physical prep. Knowing what to expect can help calm your nerves. Here’s how to prepare mentally:

1. Learn about the surgery and recovery
2. Talk to your surgeon or a counselor about your worries
3. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation

By following these steps and working with your team, you can have a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Removal: Surgical Excision

Surgical excision for squamous cell carcinoma is a precise method. It ensures the cancer is completely removed. This approach is effective because it takes out the tumor and some healthy tissue around it.

How the Procedure Works

The process starts with local anesthesia to numb the area. Then, the surgeon carefully removes the tumor and some healthy tissue. The goal is to remove all cancer to prevent it from coming back.

The steps involved in surgical excision are as follows:

• Administration of local anesthesia
• Removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue
• Closure of the wound using appropriate techniques

How Deep Do They Cut for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The depth of the cut depends on the tumor’s size, location, and depth. Surgeons aim for a clear margin to ensure all cancer is removed. They determine this during the pre-surgical assessment.

The depth of excision is critical to prevent recurrence. Sometimes, they need to cut down to fat, fascia, or even bone, depending on the tumor’s depth.

Margin Considerations

Margin considerations are key to ensure all cancer cells are removed. The margin is the healthy tissue around the tumor. A clear margin means no cancer cells are left at the edge.

Closure Techniques

After removing the tumor, the wound is closed. The method depends on the wound’s size and location. Small wounds are closed simply, while larger ones might need skin grafts or flaps.

The choice of closure technique is important for good results and to avoid complications. Our surgeons work with patients to find the best option for them.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery Explained

Mohs micrographic surgery is great for treating skin cancers in sensitive areas. It’s a precise method that removes cancer cells carefully. This way, it keeps as much healthy tissue as it can.

The Step-by-Step Mohs Procedure

The Mohs procedure has several steps. First, the tumor is removed, and a map is made. Then, the tissue is checked under a microscope for cancer cells.

If cancer cells are found, more tissue is removed from the exact spot. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are left.

This careful process makes sure all cancer cells are gone. It also tries to keep as much healthy tissue as possible. The surgery is done in an outpatient setting and can take a few hours.

Benefits for Facial and Cosmetically Sensitive Areas

Mohs surgery is great for skin cancers on the face or sensitive areas. It’s precise, which means less damage to healthy tissue. This leads to less scarring and better looks.

For those with skin cancer in visible or sensitive spots, Mohs surgery is a top choice. It has high cure rates and leaves little to no disfigurement.

Success Rates and Tissue Preservation

Mohs surgery is very effective for removing skin cancers, like basal and squamous cell carcinomas. It checks every tumor margin to make sure all cancer cells are found and removed. This results in cure rates of up to 99% for some skin cancers.

Success Rates Comparison

When Mohs Is Recommended

Mohs surgery is recommended for large, recurrent, or sensitive skin cancers. It’s also good for tumors that grow fast or have unclear edges.

Our surgeons will decide if Mohs surgery is best for you. They consider the tumor’s type, size, and location, and your overall health.

Alternative Skin Cancer Removal Techniques

There are other ways to remove skin cancer, aside from surgery. These methods are chosen based on the cancer’s type and the patient’s health. They offer different options for treatment.

New technologies and techniques are being studied. This research helps provide more choices for patients. We will look at these alternatives, their uses, benefits, and possible downsides.

Electrodessication and Curettage

Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) is a method that removes cancerous tissue with a curette. Then, an electric current is applied to kill any remaining cells. It’s often used for small, surface-level skin cancers.

Benefits: ED&C is quick and can be done in a doctor’s office. It’s less invasive than surgery and works well for some skin cancers.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, killing them. It’s used for early-stage skin cancers. It’s also good for patients with many lesions.

Advantages: Cryosurgery is non-invasive and doesn’t leave scars. It can be done again if needed. It’s a good choice for those who can’t have surgery.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery uses a light beam to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s precise, which helps protect healthy tissue nearby.

Indications: Laser surgery is best for skin cancers that are only on the skin’s surface. It’s great for areas where appearance matters.

Radiation Therapy for Non-Surgical Candidates

Radiation therapy uses rays to kill cancer cells. It’s recommended for those who can’t have surgery due to age or health.

Benefits: Radiation therapy can work for some skin cancers, even when surgery isn’t possible. It helps keep the tissue around the cancer safe and can be used with other treatments.

Special Considerations for Facial Skin Cancer

Treating skin cancer on the face is a delicate task. It’s about removing the cancer without harming the patient’s looks. The face is very sensitive, so we must be careful with any surgery.

Unique Challenges of Facial Lesions

Facial skin cancer has its own set of challenges. The face’s complex anatomy requires a skilled surgeon. We plan and execute the removal of facial lesions carefully to avoid damage and ensure the best look.

The key challenges include:

• Preserving facial nerve function
• Maintaining aesthetic appearance
• Ensuring complete removal of the cancer

Basal Cell Cancer Removal from Face

Basal cell carcinoma is common on the face. Removing it requires careful techniques to keep the face looking good. We often use Mohs micrographic surgery to remove the cancer while saving healthy tissue.

Preserving Aesthetic Appearance

Keeping the face looking good is key when treating facial skin cancer. We use various methods to reduce scarring and improve looks. These include:

1. Careful planning of incisions
2. Use of advanced surgical techniques like Mohs surgery
3. Reconstruction using skin grafts or flaps when necessary

Differences in Approach Between Facial and Non-Facial Sites

Treating skin cancer on the face is different from other areas. The goal is the same, but the methods are more detailed. We must think about the face’s unique anatomy and how it affects the patient’s looks and life.

In conclusion, treating facial skin cancer needs a careful and detailed approach. We use advanced techniques and consider the face’s special challenges. This way, we can give our patients the best results.

Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Excision

After removing skin cancer, rebuilding the area is key. It helps restore looks and function. Our aim is to make the area look as natural as possible while keeping the patient healthy.

Simple Closure vs. Complex Reconstruction

Choosing between simple closure and complex reconstruction depends on several things. These include the size and location of the defect, and the patient’s health and wishes. Small defects might just need simple closure, but bigger ones might need more detailed work.

Simple closure uses stitches to close the wound. It works well for small areas. But for bigger or more complex wounds, complex reconstruction might be needed. This could include skin grafts or flaps.

Skin Grafts and Flaps

Skin grafts and flaps are common in reconstructive surgery. A skin graft moves skin from one part of the body to another. It’s good for covering large wounds or areas where skin is tight.

Flaps move a section of skin, along with its blood vessels, to the wound. They’re often used on the face to look more natural.

Facial Reconstruction Techniques

Facial reconstruction is very precise. It uses local flaps, skin grafts, and microvascular free flaps. The right technique depends on the defect’s size and location, and the patient’s looks.

We use advanced facial reconstruction techniques to hide scars. Our goal is to make the patient look natural again.

Expected Cosmetic Outcomes

The cosmetic results after reconstruction vary. They depend on the procedure’s complexity and how well the patient heals. We aim for a natural look that hides scars or defects.

Reconstructive surgery has gotten better. Now, patients can get great results that look and feel natural. The right technique helps achieve the best look and function.

Post-Surgical Wound Care and Recovery

After skin cancer surgery, taking care of your wound is key. Good wound care helps your body heal, lowers infection risk, and improves how your skin looks.

Immediate Post-Op Care

Right after surgery, we focus on keeping your wound clean. This helps prevent infection and speeds up healing. Your surgical team will tell you how to care for your wound, including dressing changes and watching for complications.

Key aspects of immediate post-op care include:

• Keeping the wound clean and dry
• Changing dressings as directed by your healthcare provider
• Monitoring for signs of infection or other complications

Managing Pain and Discomfort

After skin cancer surgery, you might feel pain or discomfort. We’ll help you manage it with the right treatment. This could be medication or other methods based on your needs.

Effective pain management is key for a smooth recovery. Your healthcare team will talk to you about pain options. They want to make sure you’re comfortable while you heal.

Recognizing Signs of Infection

Knowing the signs of infection is important. Look out for increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the wound. Also, watch for fever or chills.

Timeline for Healing

The time it takes for your wound to heal depends on its size, location, and your health. Most wounds heal in a few weeks. But, full recovery might take longer.

Knowing how long it’ll take to heal helps you plan your recovery. Your healthcare provider will give you a better idea based on your situation.

Conclusion: Follow-Up Care and Prevention

After removing skin cancer, it’s key to keep an eye out for any signs of it coming back. Regular check-ups help catch any problems early. This way, we can treat them quickly.

New treatments and technologies are helping people manage their skin better. Preventing new cancers is also important. This means protecting your skin from the sun, checking yourself often, and seeing a doctor regularly.

By focusing on follow-up care and prevention, you can help keep your skin healthy. Stay alert to changes in your skin and work with your doctor. This helps catch and treat skin cancer early.

Reference

• American Cancer Society. Surgery for Basal & Squamous Cell Skin Cancers. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/treating/surgery.html
• PMC / NCBI. [Article: “…] (2021). Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8609953/