Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by mcelik
At Liv Hospital, we know how important it is to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas well. We’re a top place for skin cancer care and focus on our patients. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are common skin cancers that need quick and right treatment.
Our team works hard to give you the best care, from start to finish. Knowing how surgical excision for skin cancer works is key for good treatment and healing. We use the latest medical methods to make sure our patients get the best care.
Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are two main types of skin cancer. They need different treatments. Knowing about skin cancer is key to managing it well.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It looks like a pearly or waxy bump on sun-exposed areas. It grows slowly and rarely spreads.
But, if not treated, it can cause a lot of damage locally.
For more info on common diseases in oncology, like skin cancer, check out Liv Hospital’s resource page.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a firm, red nodule or flat lesion with a scaly crust. It’s more aggressive than BCC and can spread if not treated quickly. Sun exposure and other factors like immunosuppression increase the risk.
The main difference between BCC and SCC is their aggressiveness and spread risk. BCC is more common but less likely to spread. SCC is more aggressive and needs quick treatment.
It’s important to know these differences for the right treatment plan. Always talk to a healthcare professional for the best advice. Early detection and treatment are vital for both BCC and SCC.
Diagnosing skin cancer starts with a visual check. This can worry patients, but our team is here to help. We aim to be clear and caring during this time.
The first step is a detailed look at the area in question. Our dermatologists will check its size, shape, color, and texture. If it looks like cancer, a biopsy is suggested to confirm.
A biopsy takes a small tissue sample for a microscope check. There are different biopsies, depending on the lesion’s size and location. These include:
After confirming skin cancer, we figure out its stage and spread. We look at the tumor’s size, if it’s in nearby lymph nodes, and if it’s spread elsewhere. Knowing the stage helps us plan the best treatment.
| Cancer Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Cancer cells are confined to the outermost layer of skin. |
| Stage I | The tumor is small and limited to the skin. |
| Stage II | The tumor is larger or has other high-risk features. |
| Stage III | Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. |
| Stage IV | Cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body. |
For more serious cases, imaging tests are used to see how far the cancer has spread. These include CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans. These tests help us understand the disease fully, guiding our treatment.
We are dedicated to a thorough and caring approach to diagnosing skin cancer. Our team works together to ensure each patient gets a precise diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored just for them.
Before skin cancer surgery, a detailed pre-surgery consultation is key. It lets us check the patient’s health, talk about the surgery plan, and set clear expectations for the process and recovery.
In the pre-surgery meeting, we look closely at the patient’s medical history. We check for past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies. Knowing this helps us spot risks and plan how to avoid them.
We also check the patient’s current medicines, like supplements and blood thinners. Some medicines might need to be changed or stopped before surgery to avoid bleeding risks.
Choosing the right surgery method is a big part of planning. We think about the cancer type, its stage, where it is, and the patient’s health. We might choose surgical removal, Mohs surgery, or other options, based on the case.
It’s also important to set clear expectations with the patient. We explain the surgery, what results to expect, and what recovery will be like. This includes talking about scars, follow-up care, and any activity limits after surgery.
With a detailed pre-surgery consultation, we can make sure our patients get the best results. This preparation helps us plan the surgery and educate the patient. It makes them less anxious and more satisfied with their care.
It’s important to know about the different ways to remove skin cancer. We use different methods based on the cancer’s type, size, and where it is.
Surgical excision is a common way to remove skin cancer. It means cutting out the cancer and some healthy skin around it. This method works well for basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
Key aspects of surgical excision include:
Mohs surgery is a precise method for removing skin cancer. It’s used in sensitive areas or for aggressive cancers. It removes thin layers of skin and checks them under a microscope until no cancer is found.
The benefits of Mohs surgery include:
Curettage and electrodesiccation is for smaller or superficial skin cancers. It scrapes away the cancer with a curette and then uses an electric current to kill any remaining cells.
Advantages of curettage and electrodesiccation:
Cryosurgery freezes the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, killing them. It’s used for small, superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
| Treatment Method | Typical Use | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Excision | Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas | Effective, allows for tissue examination |
| Mohs Surgery | Cosmetically sensitive areas, aggressive cancers | High cure rate, minimal healthy tissue removal |
| Curettage and Electrodesiccation | Small, superficial lesions | Quick, minimal scarring |
| Cryosurgery | Small, superficial lesions | Non-invasive, quick recovery |
Each technique has its own role in treating skin cancer. The choice depends on the cancer’s type, size, location, and the patient’s health.
Removing Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) needs a careful approach. We aim to remove cancer effectively while keeping your appearance in mind. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Choosing the right depth for removing BCC is key. The depth depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. Our surgeons carefully decide the depth based on your tumor’s details. This way, we remove all cancer cells safely and avoid losing too much tissue.
Removing BCC from the face is tricky because of the skin’s sensitivity and the need to keep your look good. Our surgeons use Mohs micrographic surgery for precise removal. They aim to remove cancer and keep your face looking natural.
BCC removal on other parts of the body also needs careful planning. The surgery method depends on the tumor’s location and size. Our team picks the best surgery for each case. For big tumors or those in tricky spots, we might use skin grafts or other methods.
Closing the wound after BCC removal is important for healing. We use different methods like primary closure, skin grafts, and local flaps. The choice depends on the wound size, location, and your health. Our goal is to help your skin heal well and keep scarring minimal.
Removing SCC is a key step in treating this cancer. It’s important to know how deep to cut and if lymph nodes need checking. We’ll cover the surgery, including the depth needed, lymph node checks, and what to expect after.
The depth of cut for SCC is vital to remove all cancer cells. The margin depends on the tumor’s size, where it is, and how aggressive it is. For SCC, the margin can be 4 to 6 mm or more, based on the case.
For SCC, checking lymph nodes is key, more so for advanced or high-risk cases. Lymph node checks show if cancer has spread. This info is vital for treatment planning.
For complex SCC, special surgeries like Mohs micrographic surgery might be used. The right method depends on the tumor and the patient’s health.
After SCC surgery, careful wound care and watching for problems are important. Patients learn how to care for their wound and watch for healing signs or complications. Regular check-ups are key for recovery and catching any cancer return early.
The table below outlines key points about SCC excision and recovery:
| Aspect | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of Excision | Margin around the tumor | 4-6 mm or more based on tumor characteristics |
| Lymph Node Evaluation | Assessment of cancer spread | Essential for advanced or high-risk SCC |
| Surgical Techniques | Mohs surgery or other advanced methods | Chosen based on tumor and patient factors |
| Recovery Care | Wound management and follow-up | Monitoring for healing and complications |
After skin cancer surgery, taking care of your wound is key. We know you might worry about how to do this. Here, we’ll show you how to care for your wound properly.
Right after surgery, we’ll cover your wound with a dressing. This keeps it safe. We’ll tell you how to keep it clean and dry. You’ll get these instructions when you’re in the hospital or when you go home.
Key immediate care steps include:
Changing your dressings and cleaning your wound is important. We’ll teach you how to do this. You’ll wash the wound with mild soap and water, then put on a new dressing.
It’s essential to follow our instructions carefully to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.
Knowing the signs of healing and complications is important. Healing means the wound starts to close, gets less red, and doesn’t show signs of infection like pus or more pain.
| Signs of Proper Healing | Signs of Complications |
|---|---|
| Wound closure | Increased redness or swelling |
| Reduced redness | Pus or discharge |
| Minimal pain | Fever or chills |
After removing skin cancer, it’s important to rest. Don’t lift heavy, bend, or do hard exercises. Your doctor will tell you what to avoid.
By following these steps and our specific advice, you can avoid problems and heal well.
Knowing what to expect after skin cancer surgery helps patients prepare. Everyone recovers differently, but having a general idea is helpful. It makes managing expectations and achieving a smooth recovery easier.
The first week is key for a good recovery. Patients should rest and avoid hard activities. Keep the surgical site clean and dry, following your doctor’s wound care instructions.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort, swelling, or bruising. Managing pain is important. Your doctor might give you pain medication to help.
Watch for signs of complications like more redness, swelling, or discharge. If you see these, call your doctor right away.
Healing after skin cancer surgery can take weeks to months. The body repairs the tissue and makes the skin look normal again. Be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
The surgical site will go through stages like scabbing, itching, and fading. Proper wound care and scar management can affect the scar’s appearance.
Managing scars is important for recovery. We suggest several techniques to reduce scar appearance:
For more information on scar management, see our detailed guide in the table below:
| Scar Management Technique | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapy | Gentle massage of the scar tissue | Promotes healing, reduces stiffness |
| Silicone Gel/Sheets | Application of silicone products on the scar | Flattens and softens the scar |
| Sun Protection | Using high SPF sunscreen on the scar | Prevents darkening of the scar |
Most people can get back to normal in a few weeks after surgery. But, it depends on your health, the surgery’s extent, and your doctor’s advice.
Start with light tasks and gradually do more. Listen to your body and don’t rush. Full recovery, including scar fading, can take months. But with care and patience, most people get good results.
The journey doesn’t end with skin cancer treatment; regular follow-up care is essential. After surgery or other treatments for basal or squamous cell carcinoma, patients need to watch their skin health closely. We stress the importance of follow-up care in catching recurrence and new skin cancers early.
Regular check-ups with your dermatologist or healthcare provider are key. These visits help us monitor the treated area and look for signs of recurrence or new skin cancers. The number of these appointments depends on your risk factors and the type of skin cancer.
During these visits, we do a detailed skin examination, including the area where the cancer was removed. We also look for any new or suspicious lesions. It’s a chance for patients to talk about any skin health concerns or questions they have.
In addition to scheduled check-ups, patients are encouraged to do regular self-examinations. We teach them to spot signs of skin cancer, like new moles, changes in existing moles, or unusual skin lesions. Catching it early is key to effective treatment.
Regular skin checks are vital for everyone, but even more so for those who have had skin cancer. We suggest patients check their skin monthly, focusing on areas affected by skin cancer before. Using a mirror or asking someone to help can make it easier to see hard-to-see areas.
Understanding the risk of recurrence is a big part of follow-up care. We assess this risk based on the type and stage of the original skin cancer, treatment effectiveness, and individual factors. This helps us tailor the follow-up care plan to each patient’s needs.
Long-term surveillance is a critical part of managing skin cancer. We work with our patients to create a long-term plan for regular follow-up appointments and ongoing skin monitoring. This helps in catching any new skin cancers or recurrence early.
To show the follow-up care schedule, here’s a general guideline:
| Time After Treatment | Follow-Up Frequency | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Every 3-4 months | Clinical examination, skin check |
| Second Year | Every 6 months | Clinical examination, skin check |
| After 2 Years | Annually or as recommended | Clinical examination, skin check, discussion of any concerns |
By following this structured follow-up care plan, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We are committed to providing complete care that addresses not just the treatment of skin cancer, but also the ongoing health and well-being of our patients.
Liv Hospital leads in skin cancer treatment, using specialized teams and the latest technology. We focus on giving patients the best care possible. Our approach covers all aspects of skin cancer treatment.
Our surgical teams are filled with experts in skin cancer surgery. They work with patients to create treatment plans that fit their needs. Our teams’ knowledge ensures patients get the best care for their condition.
Liv Hospital uses the latest technology for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our advanced equipment helps our teams perform precise and accurate procedures. This improves patient results and makes their experience better.
We use a team approach for complex skin cancer cases. This brings together experts from different fields. It ensures patients get full care for their condition.
Our teams include oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. They work together to create effective treatment plans. This teamwork helps us handle complex cases with confidence and precision.
After skin cancer surgery, we often need to rebuild the affected area. Our surgeons use new techniques to reduce scarring and aid healing.
At Liv Hospital, we offer advanced treatments for skin cancer patients. Our specialized teams, cutting-edge technology, and team approach ensure top care. This improves patient outcomes and their quality of life.
Going through skin cancer surgery can be tough. But, with the right treatment and care, many people can get back to their normal lives. Our team is here to help you through every step of your treatment.
We talked about how removing skin cancer works. Techniques like surgical excision and Mohs surgery are very effective. Knowing how your cancer is diagnosed helps you choose the best treatment for you.
After surgery, taking care of your wound and keeping up with follow-up visits is key. This helps your skin heal well and lowers the chance of cancer coming back. At Liv Hospital, we offer top-notch care and support for international patients. We aim to help you get the best treatment and smoothly move on with your life after surgery.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types. We use advanced techniques to diagnose and treat these conditions.
We diagnose skin cancer through a visual check, biopsy, and sometimes imaging tests. These methods help us understand the cancer’s stage and spread.
BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads. SCC grows faster and can spread more. Knowing the difference helps us choose the best treatment.
The depth of the cut for SCC depends on the tumor’s thickness. We remove the tumor with healthy tissue around it for complete removal.
Treatments include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, curettage, and cryosurgery. We pick the best method based on the cancer’s type, size, and location.
We use Mohs surgery to remove BCC from the face. This ensures minimal scarring and the best cosmetic results.
Recovery involves wound care, dressing changes, and follow-up visits. We guide on activity limits and signs of healing.
Recovery time varies with the surgery’s extent. Most patients can resume normal activities in a few weeks.
Follow-up care helps catch new or recurring cancers early. It improves treatment success. We stress the importance of regular check-ups and self-examination.
We offer advanced treatments, including specialized teams and cutting-edge technology. Our goal is to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
We use Mohs surgery and careful wound closure to reduce scarring. We also teach scar management techniques.
Proper healing signs include a clean wound, minimal swelling, and granulation tissue. We monitor these during follow-up visits.
No, we advise following activity restrictions for optimal recovery. We provide personalized advice on when to resume normal activities.
Follow-up appointment frequency depends on the cancer type and stage. We tailor our schedule to each patient’s needs.
Histopathologic Variants of Basal Cell Carcinoma (PMC). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4516103/
American Cancer Society. Surgery for Basal & Squamous Cell Skin Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/treating/surgery.html
Florida Dermatology. Pathology Results: Basal Cell Carcinoma. Available at: https://www.flderms.com/path-results/basal-cell-carcinoma