Electrodesiccation and curettage is the process often used to remove small basal cell skin cancers. The doctor will numb the area that needs to be treated. The cancer is then removed with a sharp tool shaped like a spoon. This tool is called a curette. An electric current is sent into the treated area to control bleeding and to kill any remaining cancer cells. Electrodesiccation and curettage is usually a fast and simple skin cancer surgery.

 

Cryosurgery is often used for people who are not able to have other types of skin cancer surgery. Cryosurgery uses extreme cold to treat early-stage or very thin skin cancer. Liquid nitrogen creates the cold, which the doctor applies directly to the skin growth. This treatment may cause swelling and may also damage nerves, which can cause a loss of feeling in the damaged area.

 

Laser surgery uses a narrow beam of light to remove or destroy cancer cells. Laser surgery is most often used for growths that are on the outer layer of skin.

 

Dermabrasion is the removal of the top layer of skin using a rotating wheel or small particles to rub away skin cells.

 

Grafts are sometimes needed to close an opening in the skin left by skin cancer surgery. The surgeon will first numb and then remove a patch of healthy skin from another part of the body, such as the upper thigh. The patch is then used to cover the area where skin cancer was removed. If you have a skin graft, you may have to take special care of the area until it heals.

 

Recovering From Skin Cancer Surgery