About Skin Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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Curative treatment with high success rates for early-stage skin cancers.Performed by a specialist (Surgical Oncologist) with expertise in cancer removal and reconstruction.Precise removal techniques, like Mohs surgery, maximize healthy tissue preservation.Provides a tissue sample for definitive diagnosis and pathological staging.Can often be performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia.Immediate reconstruction of the surgical site is often possible.liHelps prevent the spread (metastasis) of aggressive skin cancers./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma via biopsy.
- Suspicious skin lesions with changing characteristics (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolution).
- Recurrent skin cancer at a previous treatment site.
- Large, deep, or aggressive tumors requiring wide excision.
- Cancers located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas (face, ears, lips).
- High-risk skin cancers with features suggesting potential for spread.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical history review and physical examination with the surgeon.
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin) as advised by your doctor.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, especially if sedation is used.
- Shower with an antibacterial soap the night before or morning of surgery.
- Avoid applying lotions, creams, or makeup to the surgical area.
- Discuss anesthesia options (local, with sedation, or general) and fasting instructions if needed.
- Inform the surgeon of all allergies, especially to local anesthetics or antibiotics.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, bruising, or hematoma (collection of blood) at the surgical site.
- Infection requiring antibiotics.
- Pain, tenderness, or itching during healing.
- Scarring, which may be hypertrophic or keloid in some individuals.
- Nerve damage leading to temporary or permanent numbness or tingling near the wound.
- Incomplete tumor removal requiring a second procedure.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications.
- Wound healing problems, especially in patients with diabetes or poor circulation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Keep the wound clean, dry, and covered with a sterile dressing as instructed.
- Manage pain with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for 1-2 weeks to prevent strain on the wound.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for suture removal (typically 1-2 weeks) and wound check.
- Protect the healing scar from sun exposure with clothing or high-SPF sunscreen to prevent darkening.
- Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever) and contact your doctor immediately.
- Use recommended scar management ointments or silicone sheets once the wound is fully closed.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 weeks for primary healing; 6-12 months for scar maturation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering skin cancer surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform skin cancer surgery. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for skin cancer surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 150 Thousand | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 1-3 weeks for primary healing; 6-12 months for scar maturation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 525 Thousand | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 1-3 weeks for primary healing; 6-12 months for scar maturation | Know More |
Diya Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Diya Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had always been vigilant about sun protection, but her childhood in coastal Chennai left its mark. A persistent, pearly bump on her left cheek, which occasionally bled when she dried her face, prompted a dermatology visit. A biopsy confirmed a basal cell carcinoma. The surgical oncologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended Mohs micrographic surgery to meticulously remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, crucial for a cosmetically sensitive area. During the outpatient procedure, Diya was anxious but comforted by Dr. Mehta's calm explanation of each step as he mapped and removed thin layers of tissue, checking each under a microscope until the margins were clear. The recovery involved careful wound care, and while a small scar remained, it was minimal. Diya's emotional journey was one of initial fear, worrying about cancer, her appearance, and her family, that transformed into profound relief and empowerment. She became a vocal advocate for sun safety in her community, turning her anxiety into proactive education.
Surgical Oncologists for Skin Cancer Surgery
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform skin cancer surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore