For skin cancers that have not spread, surgery may be performed to remove the entire tumour and no further treatment may be needed. Common surgical procedures include:
Lymph node biopsy and removal
Laser surgery
Cryosurgery
Reconstructive surgery
Excision
Mohs surgery
The aim of Mohs surgery is to remove all the skin cancer without damaging the healthy skin around it. Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to make sure that all the cancer is gone. This increases the likelihood of the cancer being cured. It reduces the need for other treatments or further surgery.
The side effects of skin cancer surgery usually depend on how extensive a procedure is required. The side effects of skin cancer surgery can be listed as follows:
Pain
Scarring or disfigurement
Swelling or bruising
Nerve damage or numbness
Haemorrhage
Infection
Fatigue
Lymphoedema