Skin Cancer Surgery

Surgical Dermatology
  • dermatologist performing electrodessication and curettage procedure

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Surgical treatment options for skin cancer lesions

We perform surgical excision (the technique of cutting out the lesion along with a small amount of the surrounding healthy skin), electrodessication and curettage (the method of burning the lesion with electrical currents and scraping it away with a curette), and cryosurgery (the application of liquid nitrogen to destroy the cancerous lesion) for the treatment of superficial, early stage skin cancer. The recommended surgical method will be determined based on the size and number of lesions, whether the lesions are recurring or not, the depth and location of the lesions, and any preexisting medical conditions you may have.

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  • POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTRODESSICATION AND CURETTAGE

    Download a PDF copy of our Electrodessication and Curettage After Care Instructions here.



    Electrodessication and Curettage  – 

    POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS


    What should I do?

    Remove your dressing in 24 hours. 


    It is ok to shower and wash with mild soap once the dressing is off. Dove®, Cetaphil®, or Purpose® do not have perfumes or dyes and are recommended.


    Gently wash the area with a washcloth or gauze once a day. Let the area dry.


    Apply Vaseline® or Aquaphor® to the area once or twice a day (it is important to keep the wound moist). 


    Cover the wound with a piece of gauze and tape or band-aid.


    This type of wound will take about 3 to 6 weeks to heal. - It can take longer to heal if the wound is larger, deeper or on the lower legs.


    Over time the wound may have a yellowish color in the center, this is normal; it is the regrowth of your skin. - It is normal for some redness to develop around the wound. 


    Your wound may be tender to the touch but as time goes on it should become less painful.

     If your wound is on your arm or leg, elevate that arm or leg as much as possible to help with circulation, healing and to prevent swelling and infection.


    Call our office if you experience: 

    Pain that gets worse a few days after the procedure 

    Pronounced swelling - A temperature above 100.5 for 24 hours 

    Redness (increased outward from the wound, greater than an inch), warmth, swelling, and pus-like drainage at the site

    Bleeding- If you have bleeding, apply firm pressure over the gauze pad for 20 minutes. If it doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, apply pressure again for 20 minutes. 


    Who do I contact with questions? - During regular office hours, please call us at: 610-484-3761.


    For non-urgent matters, you may also reach us by e-mail at imarcy@mycleardermatology.com

  • POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIQUID NITROGEN (FREEZING) WOUND CARE

    Download a PDF copy of our Liquid Nitrogen Freezing Wound Care After Care Instructions here.



    Liquid Nitrogen (Freezing) Wound Care  – 

    POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS


    What to expect after treatment:


    Immediately after the area is frozen, expect a stinging or burning sensation to last for 10 to 15 minutes.


    A change in sensation (such as numbness) may be experienced and is usually temporary.  Taking Tylenol may relieve any residual pain you may have.


    The skin around the area that was frozen may appear “puffy” and reddened for several days.

    You may experience a blister or even a blood blister over the area that was frozen.  The blister may last for a period of 1 to 2 weeks, and then slowly heal with crusting.


    The area that was frozen may result in either an area of lighter or darker skin.  While unusual, this discoloration may occur.


    The areas which were treated usually do not need to be covered.  They should be cleansed gently with soap daily. After cleaning the area, apply Vaseline.


    If a blister occurs you can thoroughly sterilize a needle with alcohol and lightly poke the side of the blister until the fluid drains, then apply Vaseline.


    Should you experience any signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, drainage, or redness) notify the doctor or provider at the phone number below.


    More than one treatment may be necessary to completely remove a wart or keratosis.  If the growth is not completely gone or seems to be coming back, please make a return appointment for re-evaluation.


    If you have any questions please call our office at (610) 484-3761.