Skin Cancer

Individuals struggling with certain kinds of skin cancer may undergo removal techniques with the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Kansas on their road to recovery. 

This surgical procedure removes certain types of skin cancer and can be completed in stages, as needed.

Who Should Undergo Skin Cancer Removal?

If you have a melanoma, irregular mole, basal cell carcinoma, or another type of skin cancer, you should likely undergo a procedure to remove it. The procedure is best performed on early stage skin cancer and can rarely cure metastatic cancers.

Plastic surgeons often mention the A-B-C-D-E method for identifying skin cancer. If you see any of the following mole irregularities, you should have it examined by a health care professional:

  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Color variegation
  • Diameter
  • Evolving

How is Skin Cancer Removed and Treated?

For smaller forms of skin cancer a local anesthetic may be administered, but sometimes a general anesthetic is necessary. When your plastic surgeon removes the melanoma, a portion of healthy skin around may be removed, as well. To close a small incision, stitches will be used, while large removals or those on the face, hands or feet may require a skin graft to close the wound. More invasive skin cancers will require more invasive surgery and possible reconstructive surgery.

For larger forms of skin cancer, the Moh's micrographic surgery technique may be utilized. In this procedure, your plastic surgeon will use a microscope to examine the tissue and excise the cancer layer by layer to reveal healthy tissue. The removed specimen will be examined to ensure full removal of cancerous cells. When all cancerous cells have been removed, your plastic surgeon will repair the wound with a flap, graft or side-to-side closure. The wound will be closed with sutures.

What Should I Expect After Skin Cancer Surgery?

Following the procedure, your plastic surgeon will advise you on specific wound care instructions. If your wounds have been repaired with absorbable stitches or skin grafts, they should be covered with a bandage for one week. For wounds repaired with nonabsorbable stitches, covering bandages should be replaced daily until the stitches are removed. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for about two weeks and report any signs of infection to your plastic surgeon immediately.

Risks associated with skin cancer removal surgery may include infection, scarring, bleeding, rejection of skin graft, wound dehiscence, seromas, nerve dysfunction and hematoma.

Learn More About Skin Cancer Removal in Kansas City

To find out more about how the skilled team at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Kansas can remove certain types of skin cancer, contact us to set up a consultation.