Learn about Skin Cancer Surgery Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Skin Cancer Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer surgery performed by a surgical oncologist is a specialized procedure to remove malignant skin lesions, primarily melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The surgeon meticulously excises the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence. Advanced techniques like Mohs micrographic surgery may be used for precise, layer-by-layer removal, especially on the face or other sensitive areas. This procedure is crucial for accurate diagnosis, staging, and curative treatment. The goal is to eliminate cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible, followed by appropriate reconstruction if needed. It is a cornerstone of skin cancer management, offering high cure rates for early-stage cancers.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Typically outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated