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Skin cancer treatment is selected for the exact diagnosis, tumor size, depth, location, borders and pathology findings, along with prior treatment and your overall health.
Options may include standard excision, Mohs surgery, electrodesiccation and curettage, topical therapy or another approach when appropriate. Your dermatologist will also discuss reconstruction, healing and follow-up surveillance.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. Many cases are treated with standard surgical excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. Selected superficial lesions may be managed with other approaches when appropriate.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can range from low-risk superficial disease to tumors with greater risk of recurrence or spread. Treatment is often surgical, with Mohs surgery considered for selected high-risk locations or tumor features.
Melanoma
Melanoma treatment is based on tumor depth, ulceration, stage and other pathologic factors. Surgical excision is standard for localized melanoma, while more advanced disease may require referral for sentinel-node evaluation, imaging, oncology treatment or multidisciplinary care.
Mohs surgery
Borealis Dermatology offers Mohs micrographic surgery for appropriate skin cancers on a scheduled basis. Your dermatologist will determine whether Mohs, standard excision, another treatment or referral is best for your diagnosis.
Related Care and Reading
For an overview of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and diagnosis, see Skin Cancers.