Excisional Surgery
In this surgery entire tumor is removed along with a surrounding border of normal skin as a safety margin. The tissue is sent to the lab to ensure that the margins removed are free from cancer cells. The wound may be left open to heal depending upon the size and location. If the lab results show margins to have skin cancer, the patient may need another surgery.
This surgery is preferred for Basel cell carcinomas and squamous carcinoma and may also be used for melanoma. If cancer is detected at an early stage, then it may be the only treatment required.