Skin cancer care
Skin cancer surgery
For most non-melanoma skin cancers (and select early-stage melanomas), surgical excision can be performed right in our Windermere office under local anesthesia.
What it is.
Surgical excision removes the cancer along with a margin of healthy skin. The tissue is sent to a dermatopathologist to confirm clear margins, and the wound is closed with sutures.
How we treat it.
Most patients are in and out within an hour. We provide written recovery instructions and a follow-up visit to remove sutures and check healing. For complex cancers, recurrent tumors, or cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, we coordinate referral to a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.
When to come in.
If you've been diagnosed with a skin cancer or had a positive biopsy elsewhere, we can coordinate treatment quickly, including consultation, scheduling, and post-operative care.
Common questions.
Does skin cancer surgery hurt?
The procedure itself should not hurt. Before excision, we numb the area with local anesthesia, so you may feel pressure or movement but not sharp pain. The brief numbing injection stings for a few seconds. Mild soreness afterward is normal and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and we review what is appropriate for you. We provide written recovery instructions and a follow-up visit to check healing.
Will I have a scar after skin cancer surgery?
Surgical excision involves removing the cancer with a margin of healthy skin and closing the wound with sutures, so some scarring is expected. Scar appearance depends on the cancer's size and location and on your skin. We close carefully and provide wound-care instructions to support healing. For cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, we coordinate referral to an appropriate skin cancer surgeon.
How soon can skin cancer be removed after a biopsy confirms it?
Once a biopsy confirms skin cancer, we work to schedule treatment promptly, including consultation, the excision, and post-operative follow-up. If your biopsy was done elsewhere, bring or have the pathology report sent so we can plan care. Timing depends on the cancer type and your schedule. Contact our Windermere office to arrange an evaluation.
Related conditions.
Next step
Ready to schedule your visit?
Send a quick message and our team will reach out to schedule. Most patients can be seen within the same week.