Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by mcelik
At Liv Hospital, we know how critical effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is. Skin cancer resection is a main treatment that removes cancerous cells. We aim to provide top-notch healthcare and support for international patients.
Our skilled team will walk you through the seven key steps in basal cell carcinoma surgery and squamous cell carcinoma excision. These steps are designed to safely and effectively remove cancer cells. They help keep you healthy and confident.
New advancements in treatments, like cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo), are showing great promise. They help lower the risk of cancer coming back or leading to death in CSCC patients.
Skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are becoming more common worldwide. These are the most common types of skin cancer. They pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
BCC and SCC are types of non-melanoma skin cancers. They are different in how aggressive they are and how likely they are to spread. Basal cell carcinoma is less aggressive and rarely spreads. On the other hand, squamous cell carcinoma can spread more easily to other parts of the body. Knowing these differences is key to choosing the right treatment.
The American Academy of Dermatology says BCC is the most common skin cancer and its numbers are growing. This shows why we need to be aware and catch it early.
BCC and SCC usually show up on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. BCC looks like a pearly or waxy bump. SCC can be a firm, red nodule or a scaly, crusted lesion. Spotting these signs early is important for treatment.
When BCC or SCC is found, surgery is often needed. This is true for large, deep, or sensitive cancers. Removing it early can stop it from growing more and prevent complications. We’ll talk about the different surgery options for BCC and SCC later.
“Surgical excision is a highly effective treatment for BCC and SCC, with high cure rates when done right,” say dermatologists. This shows how important it is to get surgery on time and correctly.
Effective skin cancer resection needs careful planning and a deep understanding of key principles. We will explain the main points that guide surgeons in this complex process.
Confirming the diagnosis before starting skin cancer resection is essential. Diagnostic confirmation methods are vital in this step.
We use different tools for diagnosis, including:
These tools help make an accurate diagnosis. This is key for planning the right treatment.
Choosing the right margins is a key part of skin cancer resection. Surgical margins are the normal tissue around the tumor removed during surgery.
| Tumor Type | Recommended Margin |
|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | 3-5 mm |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | 4-6 mm |
The table shows margins vary by skin cancer type. The goal is to remove the tumor fully while keeping as much normal tissue as possible.
It’s a challenge to remove the tumor fully while keeping the skin looking good. Cosmetic outcomes depend on the tumor’s location, size, the patient’s skin, and age.
“The art of skin cancer surgery lies not only in removing the cancer but also in preserving the patient’s appearance and function.” – Renowned dermatological surgeon.
We use various methods to reduce scarring and keep function, including:
Removing skin cancers starts with a careful surgical excision process. This method is key for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These are the most common skin cancers.
The first step in standard surgical excision is marking the area around the tumor. This is done with a surgical pen. Next, local anesthesia is given to make the area numb.
The surgeon then removes the tumor and some healthy tissue around it. This ensures all cancer cells are taken out.
The removed tissue is checked in a pathological examination. This confirms if all cancer cells are gone. It also decides if more surgery is needed.
The depth of excision differs for BCC and SCC. BCC grows near the surface, so excision goes to the subcutaneous fat. SCC grows deeper, sometimes needing excision down to or beyond the fascia.
The margin width is key during excision. For BCC, 3-5 mm is usually enough. SCC might need wider margins, depending on size and aggressiveness. The goal is to remove all cancer while considering looks.
After removal, the tissue is examined closely. It’s cut into sections and looked at under a microscope. This checks for cancer cells at the margins. If found, more surgery might be needed.
| Tumor Type | Typical Excision Depth | Recommended Margin Width |
|---|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | Subcutaneous fat | 3-5 mm |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | Down to or beyond fascia | Variable, often wider than BCC |
Mohs micrographic surgery is great for removing skin cancers. It keeps healthy tissue safe. This method is best for tumors in sensitive areas or those that grow fast.
Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer. Each layer is checked under a microscope. This way, cancer cells are found and removed without harming healthy tissue.
The first layer of tissue is taken out and checked. If cancer is found, another layer is removed. This keeps going until all cancer is gone. This method makes sure the tumor is fully removed while saving healthy tissue.
Mohs surgery is best for those with high-risk skin cancers. This includes big tumors, cancers that come back, or those in sensitive spots like the face. It’s also good for tumors with unclear edges or that grow fast.
Mohs micrographic surgery has a high cure rate for risky tumors. It makes sure all cancerous tissue is removed. This lowers the chance of the cancer coming back.
Research shows Mohs surgery works better than other methods for complex or risky cases. It offers higher cure rates.
For facial basal cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is often the top choice. It removes cancer well while keeping the face looking good. The surgery’s precision helps keep the face’s look and function intact.
Choosing Mohs surgery for facial BCC means effective treatment with less scarring. It helps keep the face’s natural look.
We often use curettage and electrodesiccation to treat superficial skin cancers. This includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The method involves scraping the tumor with a curette and then using electrodesiccation to kill any leftover cancer cells.
The curettage and electrodesiccation procedure usually follows a three-cycle method. The tumor is first scraped away with a curette and then treated with electrodesiccation. This is done three times to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed. The three-cycle method is key to making the treatment effective and reducing the chance of the cancer coming back.
Curettage and electrodesiccation works best for superficial BCC and SCC. These cancers are in the early stages and only affect the top layers of the skin. This method is chosen for its simplicity and ability to remove the tumor while keeping healthy tissue intact.
| Tumor Type | Success Rate | Recurrence Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial BCC | 90% | 5% |
| SCC in situ | 85% | 10% |
While curettage and electrodesiccation is good for early tumors, it has its limits with aggressive or recurrent tumors. For these cases, more complex methods like Mohs surgery might be needed to remove all cancer.
After the procedure, the area will heal in a few weeks. It’s important to take good care of the wound to help it heal and reduce scarring. Patients usually see good results, thanks to the right choice of tumors for this treatment.
We use cryosurgery to treat certain skin cancers by freezing the bad cells. It works well for specific skin lesions and early-stage cancers.
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze cancer cells. We apply it directly to the tumor with a cotton swab or cryospray. The cold kills the cancer cells.
The method changes based on the tumor’s size and location. Smaller tumors might need just one treatment, while bigger ones could need more.
Not every skin cancer can be treated with cryosurgery. It’s best for superficial basal cell carcinoma and some squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Tumors that are too big or deep are not good candidates.
| Tumor Characteristics | Suitability for Cryosurgery |
|---|---|
| Superficial BCC | Highly Suitable |
| SCC in situ | Suitable |
| Large or Deep Tumors | Not Suitable |
Cryosurgery has many benefits. It causes little scarring, is quick, and can treat tumors in patients with health issues.
But, it has downsides too. It might not work for big or deep tumors. It’s also not as good for aggressive skin cancers.
After cryosurgery, the area might blister or scab. Keeping it clean and dry helps it heal. We teach patients how to care for the wound to avoid infection and promote healing.
Regular follow-ups are important. They help us see how the area is healing and catch any signs of cancer coming back.
Laser surgery is now used to treat early-stage skin cancers. It removes tumors precisely, causing less damage to the skin around it. This method helps patients avoid big scars and keeps their skin looking good.
CO2 lasers and Erbium YAG lasers are used to treat skin cancers. CO2 lasers remove the top skin layers by vaporizing them. Erbium YAG lasers are more precise and remove deeper lesions with less damage.
We pick the right laser for each patient based on the tumor and skin type. The choice depends on the tumor’s depth, location, and the patient’s health.
Laser surgery works best for early-stage skin cancers that are not too deep. It’s great for tumors in areas like the face because it leaves little to no scar.
| Tumor Characteristics | Laser Type | Location Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial, well-defined | CO2 Laser | Face, neck |
| Deeper lesions | Erbium YAG Laser | Face, areas requiring precision |
One challenge with laser surgery is knowing how deep the tumor is. Imaging helps, but there’s always a chance of not treating it enough or too much. We use careful checks before and during surgery to avoid this.
Recovery from laser surgery is usually quick. Patients often have little downtime. The area might look red and swollen at first, but it usually goes back to normal in a few days. The success of the surgery depends on how well the tumor margins are checked and the skill of the doctor.
Choosing laser surgery for early-stage skin cancers offers a good treatment with great results. We keep up with new laser technology to give our patients the best care.
BCC on the face is a big challenge for surgeons. They must keep the face looking good. The face has many important parts that need to stay safe during surgery. We will look at how to remove BCC from the face carefully.
The face has many delicate parts like nerves and ducts. When removing BCC, it’s important to avoid harming these parts. Areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth need extra care because of their complex anatomy and importance.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a top choice for facial BCC. It lets surgeons remove cancer while keeping healthy tissue. This method checks each layer of tissue to make sure all cancer is gone.
Mohs surgery has many benefits for facial BCC removal:
Keeping facial functions working is key during BCC removal. This means keeping nerves and other important parts safe. Mohs surgery and careful planning help achieve this. Surgeons aim to remove all cancer while keeping the face looking and working right.
Reducing scars is important in facial BCC removal. Surgeons use special techniques like careful stitching and flaps to help. Aftercare and follow-up treatments also play a big role in making scars less noticeable.
By using these special methods and understanding facial anatomy, we can remove BCC effectively. This way, we help patients keep their looks and quality of life.
When surgeons do SCC excision, they must think about several important things. Squamous cell carcinoma grows fast and can spread. So, it needs a detailed treatment plan.
SCC grows quickly, which is a big problem. People with weak immune systems, who have had radiation, or have certain genes are at higher risk. This makes SCC more aggressive.
For high-risk SCC, taking more tissue during excision is key. The goal is to get rid of the tumor and some healthy tissue too. This helps prevent it from coming back.
Margin width considerations are very important in SCC excision. For low-risk tumors, standard margins might be enough. But for high-risk SCC, wider margins are needed to make sure it’s all removed.
Checking lymph nodes is very important for SCC, mainly for high-risk or invasive tumors. It helps find out if the cancer has spread. This guides further treatment plans.
“The assessment of lymph nodes is critical in figuring out the SCC stage and planning treatment.”
Dealing with invasive SCC needs a team effort. This includes surgery, possibly more treatments, and regular check-ups. Invasive SCC needs strong treatment plans.
Understanding SCC’s aggressive nature and using the right treatments can help patients. This includes using wider margins and checking lymph nodes. These steps can improve outcomes for those with this tough condition.
Rebuilding after skin cancer surgery is key to getting back to normal. The size and shape of the gap left by the tumor can vary a lot. This means we use different methods to fix it.
For tiny gaps, we often use primary closure. This means stitching the wound shut, leaving a straight line scar. It works best for small holes that don’t pull too hard on the skin around.
Advantages: It’s a simple fix, heals fast, and leaves a small scar.
For bigger gaps, we turn to local flaps. This method moves skin from nearby areas to cover the hole. There are many flap designs, each suited for different needs.
Examples include: Rotation flaps, transposition flaps, and advancement flaps.
For really big gaps, skin grafting is the best choice. It takes healthy skin from another part of the body and puts it on the gap. There are two main kinds: split-thickness and full-thickness grafts.
| Graft Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Thickness Graft | Includes epidermis and part of dermis | Large surface area defects |
| Full-Thickness Graft | Includes epidermis and entire dermis | Facial defects, where cosmesis is critical |
For very complex gaps, we might need to do several surgeries over time. This method lets us tackle big or tricky gaps. We might use flaps and tissue expansion together.
“The art of reconstruction is not just about closing a wound; it’s about restoring the patient’s quality of life.” – Renowned plastic surgeon.
We use these advanced methods to get the best results for our patients. We think about how it looks and how it works.
Effective skin cancer treatment needs a complete plan. This includes the right surgery and reconstruction. We’ve looked at many methods, like standard surgery and Mohs surgery. Each has its own strengths and when to use them.
Choosing the right treatment for each patient is key. We consider the cancer type, location, and the patient’s health. This way, we can get good results and reduce risks. It helps in recovery and looks good too.
Our main goal is to give the best care to skin cancer patients. We aim to treat each patient’s needs effectively. By keeping up with new treatments and focusing on the patient, we can make a big difference. This helps our patients live better lives.
BCC is the most common skin cancer. It looks like a small, shiny bump or a pink patch. SCC is more aggressive, appearing as a firm, red nodule or a scaly patch. SCC is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
The depth of the cut for SCC depends on the tumor’s thickness. Usually, a 4-6 mm margin is recommended. Sometimes, deeper cuts are needed for high-risk tumors.
Mohs surgery is a precise way to remove skin cancer. It removes the tumor layer by layer. Each layer is checked under a microscope until no cancer is found. This method ensures all cancer is removed while keeping healthy tissue.
Removing BCC from the face is done with care. Facial anatomy and special techniques are considered. Mohs surgery is often used for its high success rate and ability to preserve tissue.
Reconstruction depends on the defect’s size and complexity. Options include primary closure, local flaps, skin grafting, and multi-stage reconstruction.
Laser surgery treats early-stage skin cancers, like superficial BCC and SCC. CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers are often used.
Cryosurgery freezes cancer cells with liquid nitrogen. It’s good for superficial BCC and SCC. It’s an effective treatment for some patients.
Curettage and electrodesiccation scrapes away the tumor with a curette. Then, an electric current destroys any remaining cancer cells. It’s used for superficial BCC and SCC.
The margins depend on the tumor’s type, thickness, and the patient’s health. The goal is to remove all cancer while looking good.
Examining specimens is key to ensure all cancer is removed. It checks the removed tissue for cancer cells at the margins.
SCC excision removes the tumor with healthy tissue around it. The depth and width depend on the tumor’s thickness and aggressiveness.
Mohs surgery has high cure rates and preserves healthy tissue. It’s perfect for facial BCC. It removes the tumor precisely, minimizing scarring and preserving function.