Surgery for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Surgery is a common treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers. The type of surgery your team recommends is determined by the size of the tumor and other factors.
Surgeries vary in the amount of tissue doctors remove. If surgery provides a good treatment option, you will meet with a dermatologist/cutaneous oncologist to develop a plan. Surgery is different for every patient. Your doctor will work with you to determine the least invasive and most effective surgery for your condition. We also help you prepare for your surgery and your recovery at home. .
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NON-MELANOMA CANCER
Where You Are In Your Care
1Understanding Your Condition
2Getting Your Diagnosis
3Planning Your Treatment
4Undergoing Treatment & Follow-Up
Non-Melanoma Surgery: About this Treatment
About Surgery for Non-Melanoma »
Mohs Surgery for Non-Melanoma Surgery: About this Treatment
About Mohs Surgery for Non-Melanoma »
or visit Stanford Health Library for more information.
Surgery for non-melanoma skin cancer has very high rates of cure. Only rarely do patients need any additional treatment.
There are several kinds of surgery that are effective for skin cancer, including:
- Electrodesiccation and curettage is used for non-melanoma skin cancers that are limited to the top layers of the skin (the epidermis and superficial dermis).
The wound is allowed to heal on its own, often leaving a small, round, pale scar. This type of procedure does not require stitches or any downtime and is very safe. - Mohs surgery: is often recommended if your skin cancer is large or on the head, neck, hands, feet or genitals. This is an outpatient surgical procedure performed by dermatologists specially trained in Mohs surgery.
- Surgical excision is used to treat the vast majority of skin cancers on the body that go beyond the first layer of the skin. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia and is a simple outpatient procedure.
Every person is different, so treatments that work for one person may not be right for another. Your dermato-oncologist will help you decide which surgical approach may be right for you, based on the location, size, and depth of your cancer.
Your feelings and preferences can provide guidance. If you need help deciding, talk with a member of your care team.
Your doctor
Dermatologic Oncologist
This type of doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Dermatologists in Stanford’s Skin Cancer Program have years of training and experience in cancer care. Cutaneous oncologists are dermatologists who specialize in skin cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing surveillance. Dermatologic surgeons treat early melanomas, which are most likely to be cured following surgical removal.
Mohs Surgeon
This skin cancer surgeon is specially trained in Mohs and dermatologic surgery.
Surgeon
Also known as a surgical oncologist, your cancer surgeon specializes in surgical procedures to treat more progressed melanomas.
Surgical oncologists can perform biopsies (taking tiny samples of tissue) to test for cancer and confirm a diagnosis. They help you choose the best type of surgery for your care. Potential options include traditional (open) approaches or minimally invasive techniques to remove tumors and surrounding tissue.
Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in using medications to block pain during surgery. These medications also help you relax during the procedure or ease you into unconsciousness. After giving medication, your anesthesiologist monitors vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout your surgery and immediate recovery.
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may need local (small area), regional (larger area), or general (overall) anesthesia. You will meet with your anesthesiologist at your pre-operative visit to review your case in detail.
Pathologist
Working closely with your dermatologist and melanoma surgeon, your pathologist performs and reads tests to analyze the melanoma tissue. These doctors have special training to use a microscope to examine the tissues.
Extended care team
This health care provider works with your surgical oncologist to help with diagnosis and treatment. An advanced practice provider can be a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or clinical nurse specialist.
Multidisciplinary care coordinators are specialized registered nurses who provide one-on-one support to guide you through the cancer treatment process. These coordinators serve as your point of contact to help manage your care, from your first appointment through follow-up visits. They assess your needs, answer your questions, make referrals, coordinate appointments, and provide patient education.
The administrative assistants helps with administrative issues such as scheduling your appointments, managing your paperwork, and requesting your medical records.
This team member helps you during your doctor visits by:
- Bringing you to your exam room after you check in for an appointment
- Providing you with a hospital gown or other clothing for your physical exam
- Taking your vital signs before your doctor sees you
A staff member calls you before your first appointment to:
- Provide information that you need to know to prepare
- Provide a list of what you need to bring
- Help gather your medical records
Support services
PathWell is your connection to personalized support services before, during, and after your treatment. Our teams of doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers, nutrition experts, financial counselors, and more work with your oncology team to provide comprehensive specialized care to you and to your family.
- 650-498-6000 Ask for the PathWell team
Stanford Health Library
For confidential help with your health care questions, contact the Stanford Health Library. Professional medical librarians and trained volunteers can help you access journals, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions, treatment options, and related issues.
- 875 Blake Wilbur, Palo Alto: 1st floor near the cafe, 650-736-1960
- South Bay Cancer Center: 3rd floor lobby, 408-353-0197
Email us your questions: healthlibrary@stanfordhealthcare.org
At your first appointment, you will meet the team who will take care of you throughout your treatment. During this visit, your doctor will discuss your medical history with you in detail, perform a physical examination, and discuss possible treatment options. During your first visit, we will share some important information about cancer and your treatment options.