The 3 main types of skin cancer are 1) basal cell carcinoma (BCC) 2) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 3) Malignant Melanoma (MM). The latter has the worst prognosis. In any case, surgical excision is indicated and the respective procedure is performed according to the pathology report (Type/Stage).
Skin Cancer
What is it?
The procedure
The tumor should be excised with wide margins depending on its type and stage. Regarding invasive melanomas and SCCs, sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy may be necessary. When SLN is positive for malignancy, regional lymphadenectomy is indicated.
Anesthesia
It depends on the procedure and the cancer type/stage.
Recovery
Sutures are removed after 7-14 days depending on the operated region. In cases of regional lymphadenectomy drains are placed for 4-7 days. Neo-adjuvant chemo- or radiotherapy may be necessary post-operatively. The patient is examined every 3 months in the office.
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