TREATMENTS
Surgical excision for skin cancer
Excision removes a skin cancer with a margin of surrounding skin.
- Performed in clinic under local anaesthetic
- Removed tissue is examined by a pathologist
- Wounds are closed with sutures, a flap or a graft
See our full range of skin cancer treatments.
A comprehensive skin cancer assessment determines whether excision is the most appropriate treatment.
Excision is recommended when:
- A lesion is confirmed as skin cancer and requires complete removal
- A lesion appears suspicious and requires full removal for diagnosis
- Tumour type, depth or location make complete excision preferable
In selected cases, a partial biopsy (such as punch or shave biopsy) may be appropriate. When melanoma is suspected, complete excision is generally recommended.
How surgical excision is performed
The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on lesion size and complexity.
- The lesion is removed with an appropriate margin of surrounding normal skin.
- The tissue is sent to a specialist pathology laboratory.
- Bleeding is controlled and the wound is repaired.
- Sutures are placed. Type and number depend on lesion size and location.
Local anaesthetic
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. You will be awake but should not feel pain.
The injection may briefly sting. Adrenaline is often included to reduce bleeding and can occasionally cause a temporary racing heart or mild shakiness. These effects are short-lived.
Most patients can drive home afterwards.
Preparing for your procedure
Most excisions require minimal preparation. Specific instructions are provided before your appointment.
Inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or have a pacemaker or defibrillator.
Fees
See our assessment fees and skin surgery fees. Your clinician will discuss the planned treatment and costs at assessment.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Skin flaps
When a defect cannot be closed directly with sutures, a local skin flap may be performed.
A flap involves repositioning adjacent skin while preserving its blood supply to achieve secure closure. Flap reconstruction is commonly used in areas where skin tension is high, such as the nose, ears or lower legs.
Your doctor will discuss the planned reconstruction, expected scar pattern and aftercare before the procedure.
Skin grafts
A skin graft is used when there is insufficient adjacent skin to achieve direct closure.
A thin section of skin is taken from a donor site and secured over the excision defect. The graft requires time to establish blood supply and heal.
You will care for both the graft site and the donor site during recovery. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided on the day of your procedure.
After the procedure
Pathology results are usually available within one week. Your doctor reviews them with you and explains whether further treatment is needed. You receive wound-care and follow-up instructions on the day of your procedure.
Skin cancer excision at Spot Check Clinic
Book a 1–3 spot check to have a concerning spot assessed. If you are unsure which appointment you need, see our skin cancer assessment options below.
Find out about our skin cancer checks