Skin cancer surgery

Treatment philosophy

Skin cancer is usually very treatable, especially when caught early. The exact treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its size, and where it is on the body, but here are the main approaches we use:

01

Surgical Removal (Cutting the Cancer Out)

This is the most common treatment. We numb the area and remove the cancer along with a small border of healthy skin to maximize the chance that all cancer cells are removed.

It’s used for: most types of skin cancer


What to expect: usually a quick procedure with a scar. Expect bruising, swelling, and resting from physical activity and laborious work for 4 weeks after surgery.


02

Mohs Surgery (not offered at Barkho Plastic Surgery)

Mohs is a surgery where the doctor removes the cancer layer by layer and checks each layer under a microscope right away. They stop only when no cancer cells remain.

It’s used for: cancers on the face, nose, ears, or places where saving as much healthy skin as possible matters

Benefits: highest cure rate; smallest possible scar

Cons: prolonged process

03

Freezing (Cryotherapy) (not offered at Barkho Plastic Surgery)

The doctor freezes the cancer with liquid nitrogen. This kills the abnormal cells.

It’s used for: very early, superficial skin cancers and precancerous spots

Benefits: quick, no cutting; may blister or scab as it heals

Benefits: no surgery; treatment happens over multiple sessions

Cons: not effective against larger cancers

04

Topical Medications (Creams or Gels)

Some early skin cancers can be treated with prescription creams that stimulate the immune system or kill cancer cells.

It’s used for: very early-stage surface cancers

Example:  fluorouracil (5-FU)

Cons: needs time to heal the irritation

05

Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It’s sometimes used when surgery isn’t ideal (for example, in older adults or for cancers in hard-to-treat locations).

It’s used for: certain basal cell and squamous cell cancers

Cons: multiple visits, loss of skin elasticity

What’s the “best” treatment?



There isn’t one single best method — the right choice depends on:


  • the type of skin cancer


  • how deep it is

  • where it’s located


  • your age and overall health


A dermatologist or cancer specialist will guide the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

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