Surgery is the main treatment for skin cancer

For most cancers, such as skin cancer, surgery is still the most commonly used method. Skin cancer treatment is difficult because of its wide range of incidence and symptoms that often vary depending on the location of the cancer . The corresponding surgical treatment method is also relatively complicated.

Surgery is still one of the main methods for treating skin cancer. The extent of excision should vary with the size and depth of invasion of the tumor. For basal cell carcinoma with small, superficial and clear boundaries, excision 0.5 cm from the edge of the tumor can generally achieve the goal of healing.

For skin cancer with large lesions and extensive infiltration, the tumor should be removed 3 to 5 cm from the primary lesion, and frozen section examination should be performed in hospitals with conditions. The local recurrence rate of basal cell carcinoma with negative resection margins is 1% to 5%, and the extent of tumor base removal depends on the depth of lesion infiltration.

For superficial basal cell carcinoma of the scalp, wide excision followed by skin grafting can be performed; if the periosteum is involved, the periosteum should be removed as well and then a pedicled flap transplant and skin grafting should be performed for repair. The excision range of squamous cell carcinoma is basically the same as that of basal cell carcinoma, but lymph node dissection should be performed for those with regional lymph node metastasis.

Surgery is the most effective treatment for skin cancer and is the first choice for many skin cancer patients. However, it should be noted that if the treatment of skin cancer is not thorough or the patient is exposed to the pathogenic factors again, it may recur. It is recommended to observe and care for a period of time after the treatment of skin cancer is completed.