Melanoma & Skin Cancer Surgery

Serving Tempe, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Casa Grande & Florence

Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are types of skin cancers that are all too common especially in places like sun-soaked Arizona. Depending on the type of cancer, surgical treatment may be the most advisable treatment option, or it may be one of multiple treatment options you may require.

These are common cancers, and roughly one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old. Fortunately, early treatment, including surgical removal of the affected skin is among our team’s services at Surgical Professionals.

To schedule a consultation regarding melanoma and other skin cancer surgeries in Arizona, contact Surgical Professionals. We operate at most major hospital facilities in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek.

Who Needs Skin Cancer Surgery?

Anyone diagnosed with basal or squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma, or other skin cancers may need to undergo surgical removal of the affected tissue. The earlier a cancer can be removed, the better. In some cases, you may need additional workup, such as CT scan imaging and blood work, prior to any surgery.

Types of Melanoma & Skin Cancer Surgeries

Many types of surgeries are performed to remove skin cancers, including:

• Electrodesiccation & Curettage: Cancer cells are scraped away using a curette, then electricity is applied to halt bleeding. We generally do not recommend this technique.
• Surgical Excision: Tumors are removed with a border of normal skin, and the skin is stitched closed; once removed, the tumor is examined by the laboratory to confirm the tumor is entirely removed. Additional skin may need to be removed depending upon the findings of the initial pathology. If the skin removed is large, you may need a skin graft.
• Mohs Surgery: The tumor is removed along with a slight border of healthy tissue. This is usually done in a place such as the face, where removal of skin with adequate clear margins is difficult. If you require this, we can refer you to a facility that can perform this, as we do not offer this at Surgical Professionals.
• Lymph Node Biopsy: Lymph node dissection removes potentially cancerous lymph nodes for biopsy. This may be done in conjunction with your skin tumor removal.
• Reconstruction: Large incisions often require reconstructive surgery to address deeper openings of the skin.
• Amputation: Rare, but some cancers of fingers or toes are best treated with amputation. Referral to a hand surgeon or podiatrist may be a better option if your cancer involves these locations.

These procedures are relatively fast, and most are completed within a few hours. Further, these procedures typically require minimal recovery time. Your surgeon will carefully examine your records and condition to determine which surgery is best for the type of skin cancer you are treating.

Risks of Melanoma & Skin Cancer Surgery

Melanoma and skin cancer surgeries are among the most straightforward surgical procedures we perform. Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will address any questions and concerns you may have about the procedure.

While uncommon, all surgical procedures have risks. Some of these can be serious, and it is important to understand them before agreeing to undergo the procedure. These include:

• Pain and discomfort at the incision site
• Nerve damage or numbness
• Infection
• General fatigue
• Lymphedema, both temporary and chronic
• Swelling/bruising
• Scarring

We make every effort to minimize potential surgical risks. When necessary, we’ll obtain medical clearance from other specialists before commencing surgery. We will also work with our oncologic (cancer physician) colleagues in your treatment.

We encourage all patients to discuss their questions and concerns with their surgeon prior to any procedure.

Recovering from Melanoma & Skin Cancer Surgery

The recovery period depends on the individual’s overall health, age, and the extent of cancer. Following surgery, patients should clean the wound at least twice daily. Individuals should also apply creams and bandages as directed and should avoid activities that could cause the stitches to tear. Individuals should always stay alert for infection or delayed healing.

Schedule Melanoma or Skin Cancer Surgery in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek & Surrounding Areas

We understand a diagnosis of melanoma or other skin cancer is concerning. At Surgical Procedures, we work with you to remove the cancerous tissue so that worry will no longer keep you up at night. We always have your interests at heart, and when there’s a task we can’t perform, we’ll refer you to a provider who can. We invite you to meet with us to evaluate your specific case and to formulate your treatment plan.

Please contact us at 480-892-2456 to schedule a consultation with our surgeons. It is our pleasure to tell you about the melanoma and skin cancer procedures we perform in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Mesa.

Please note that the above information is provided for general purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Our surgical capabilities may also be subject to change. Contact us to discuss your medical condition, determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual case, and confirm that we can address your procedure.