Surgical removal of cancerous or concerning growths with a margin of healthy tissue.
Surgical Removal
A standard excision removes an entire growth, along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue, in a single surgical step. It's a well-established, reliable technique used to treat skin cancers like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, as well as other growths that need to be fully removed and sent for lab analysis.
Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other lesions where a confirmed, complete removal with a healthy margin is needed.
Performed under local anesthesia, the growth and a margin of surrounding tissue are cut away and the wound is closed with stitches. The tissue is sent to a lab to confirm clear margins.
Healing typically takes one to two weeks, with stitches removed within that window. Keeping the area clean and protected from sun exposure supports the best scar outcome.
Myth: A larger excision means the cancer was worse. Fact: Margin size is based on standard safety guidelines for the type and depth of the growth, not necessarily its severity.
If a biopsy has confirmed skin cancer or another growth that needs complete surgical removal, your dermatologist will discuss whether a standard excision or Mohs surgery is the better fit.