There are many malignant and benign skin lesions that are treated predominantly with surgical excision. Malignant tumours are commonest in in the white population group largely due to many years of sun exposure. Sometime a biopsy is essential to make a diagnosis. This can be done by means of a punch biopsy, shave biopsy, incisional biopsy or excisional biopsy. A scarless removal is desirable for very superficial benign lesions of the skin. The removal of these lesions especially when small and in hidden areas of the body a simple excision is all that is required. When large or in aesthetically sensitive area it is most suitable for the patient to have the procedure performed by a plastic surgeon for the best possible cosmetic result. Skin cancers on the other hand are treated with a view to effecting a cure therefore some form of scarring is the norm however a plastic surgeons expertise is invaluable in minimizing scarring especially in aesthetically sensitive areas.
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
This is the commonest yet slow growing skin tumour of the skin. There are many modalities of treatment. In terms of reliability and assurance of clearance of the cancer surgical excision is probably the best modality. However other modalities of primary treatment like cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy may also be suitable. This cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However it can be locally aggressive and over the period of time can penetrate any tissue type. Under certain circumstances it maybe necessary to add on other forms of treatment like radiotherapy following removal of the skin lesion. Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to advise.