Surgical Removal of Skin Cancer and Moles: What to Expect

Most of us are familiar with moles — they come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. Some are entirely harmless and cause no issues,  while others are potentially lethal.

Moles and Naevi (the flat, single, uniform-coloured moles) are the most common skin lesions found on our bodies. They can be present at birth, appear in childhood or early adulthood. They can be flat or protruding and are typically seen on the face, arms, legs, back, chest and other areas. They can also develop or grow after exposure to the sun.

This article will explore how malignant (cancerous) moles are surgically excised. Cancerous moles are treated quite differently from benign (non-cancerous) moles and other skin lesions — as the latter types can be treated with laser. Laser has the advantage of providing minimal scarring, so it’s understandably preferred. You can read more about laser treatment here.

What Is Surgical Excision Of Moles?

Surgical excision of moles is where a mole (nevus) is completely cut out from the skin using a scalpel. This method is commonly used for medical reasons, such as diagnosing or treating skin cancer.

Why Are Mole Removals Performed?

Moles are typically surgically removed when they have an atypical appearance, which can indicate that the mole is potentially cancerous.

Non-cancerous moles and other benign skin lesions can be removed using laser technology, resulting in minimal scarring.

Non-Surgical Mole Removal

Benign moles (non-cancerous) can be removed without surgical intervention. Moles and other skin lesions, such as skin tags and milia, can be removed using laser technology.

Patients often seek Laser Mole Removal Treatment to avoid the downtime and scarring commonly associated with surgical removal. Laser Mole Removal Treatment does not involve cutting the skin. Therefore, there’s no need for sutures, dressings or any other coverings following the procedure.

How Is Surgical Mole Removal Performed?

A GP can remove most skin cancers in their consulting room; however, more complex cases may require surgery in an alternative setting such as a day surgery or hospital.

First, the doctor will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the cancer. Once the area is numbed, the doctor will cut around the cancer and up to 1cm of the normal tissue around the outside of the cancer. The normal tissue removed is known as the margin. The skin removed will be sent to pathology, where a pathologist will check the margin for any cancerous tissue.

After the cancer has been removed, the doctor will then close the wound with stitches. There will be a scar where the incision has been made, but this scar will fade gradually with time.Suppose the skin cancer being removed is quite large or is in a prominent area. In that case, we may use different techniques to remove the lesion.

Skin Flap

The skin flap technique involves cutting and removing a margin around the lesion. The skin where the lesion was is then moved over the wound and stitched back together.

Skin Graft

This technique uses a thin piece of skin removed from another part of the body and then stitched over the wound where the cancerous lesion has been removed.

Surgical Reconstruction

For any complex moles or those in aesthetically sensitive areas, such as the face, our plastic surgeon, Dr Eddy Dona, can remove the cancerous mole or lesion in a hospital setting.

Potential Risks And Complications

The potential risks and complications associated with surgical removal of skin cancer or benign moles can vary depending on factors like the size and location of the lesion, the type of surgery, and the patient’s overall health.

Common Risks (Both Skin Cancer & Benign Mole Removal):

• Infection – Though rare, any surgical procedure can lead to infection at the site.
• Bleeding – Minor bleeding is common, but occasionally, this may require medical attention.
• Pain or discomfort – Usually, this is mild and temporary and managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Scarring – Some scarring is normal; the extent can depend on the surgical method and healing process.
• Swelling or bruising – Especially in more delicate areas like the face.

Specific Risks for Skin Cancer Surgery:

• Incomplete removal – Sometimes, additional surgery is needed if not all cancerous tissue is removed.
• Nerve damage – Depending on the depth and location, there’s a small risk of damaging nearby nerves, leading to numbness or muscle weakness.
• Changes in skin appearance – Skin grafts or reconstruction may be needed for larger excisions.
• Recurrence – Some types of skin cancer may return in the same spot or nearby.