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Skin Cancer Surgery

Scottsdale Skin Boutique & Dermatology is your premiere center for comprehensive medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatologic care. Our expert medical professionals are proud to offer evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each of our patients' individual needs. Based in the heart of Scottsdale, it is our pleasure to care for patients from Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix and surrounding communities in the Valley of the Sun.

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Scottsdale Skin Boutique

What is Skin Cancer Surgery?

One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. If you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer, it is important to be aware of the surgical and non-surgical treatment options for your diagnosis. Surgical options may include Mohs micrographic surgery, standard surgical excision, or electrodesiccation and curettage. Depending on the type of skin cancer you have been diagnosed with and the severity of your diagnosis, you may be a candidate for non-surgical treatment options such as cryotherapy or topical chemotherapy cream. If you have a biopsy-proven skin cancer, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our expert dermatology providers at your earliest convenience. 

What Skin Cancer Surgery Options Are Available at Scottsdale Skin Boutique & Dermatology?

Factors such as type of skin cancer, severity, and previous therapy may guide treatment decisions. The expert dermatology providers at Scottsdale Skin Boutique & Dermatology will help you choose which treatment is best for your skin cancer as well as review the risks and benefits.

Surgical options include:

Non-surgical options include:

What Can I Expect During my Skin Cancer Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the most advanced, precise method for treating skin cancers. This type of surgery is the gold standard for skin cancer removal due to its cure rate of 97-99%. In addition to having the highest cure rate possible, Mohs surgery removes the least amount of healthy skin compared to other surgical methods. During the Mohs procedure, the visible portion of the skin cancer is surgically removed. Next, the tissue that is removed is cut into sections and processed in our on-site laboratory and examined under a microscope. If cancer cells are detected under the microscope, the surgeon removes another layer of skin, but only from precisely where the cancer cells remain. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are visible under the microscope. Finally, after the cancer has been completely removed, the surgeon will close the surgical opening with sutures.

            Standard surgical excision involves removal of the entire skin cancer with a border of normal skin. The incision is closed with sutures, and the tissue is sent to a laboratory where a dermatopathologist examines it under a microscope to confirm the entire cancer has been removed. Test results may take anywhere from several days to two weeks.

            Electrodessication and curettage involves scraping off cancer cells with a tool called a curette, a small scoop that has sharp edges. Next, an electrocautery device is applied to the site to burn the remaining cancer cells and stop any bleeding. This process is repeated several times, and the treatment may leave a round, pink or white scar. The scraped tissue does not get sent to a laboratory for examination, but the site is monitored closely for skin cancer recurrence.

What Can I Expect after My Skin Cancer Surgery?

The specific type of treatment and cosmetic results will depend on the type and size of the skin cancer, the location, and individual characteristics such as skin elasticity and sun damage. If you have sutures, they will remain in place for approximately 7-14 days. Optimal healing may require activity restrictions from 1-3 weeks depending on the site and complexity of the procedure. Swelling, tenderness, and mild discomfort are normal following your surgical removal and typically resolve within a few days of treatment.

Am I a Good Candidate for Skin Cancer Surgery?

If you have a skin cancer, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our expert dermatology providers to discuss your unique concerns.  At Scottsdale Skin Boutique & Dermatology, we will be by your side each step of the way on your skin cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment to ongoing preventative care.

The expert medical professionals at Scottsdale Skin Boutique & Dermatology are proud to offer comprehensive, personalized treatments for a variety of medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatologic concerns. Please contact us to schedule your appointment today at 480-998-1400. We look forward to demonstrating our commitment to your care.